What is an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle? The terms “unmanned aerial vehicles” (UAV), “unmanned aerial systems” (UAS), and “drones” include any flying vehicle that does not carry a human pilot on board. UAVs are typically controlled via a remote operator on the ground, though many now employ GPS mapping and artificial intelligence to allow the testingContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Agriculture”
Category Archives: Agriculture and Natural Resources
Briefing Book 2026: Water Fluoridation
On February 27, 2025, the House Committee on Water held an informational hearing on fluoridation of public water supply—when communities add additional fluoride to their water. The Committee received information supporting water fluoridation from a dentist from Abilene, Kansas, and representatives of the Kansas Dental Association and Oral Health Kansas. The Committee also received testimonyContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Water Fluoridation”
Briefing Book 2026: Water Infrastructure Funding
Financing Involved Beginning in FY 2024, the Legislature began appropriating State Water Plan Fund (SWPF) moneys and directing transfers from the State General Fund (SGF) to the SWPF that were higher than historical averages. During this time, SWPF appropriations were directed at water infrastructure projects; however, SWPF was not the sole funding source directed toContinue reading “Briefing Book 2026: Water Infrastructure Funding”
State Water Plan Fund, Kansas Water Authority, and the State Water Plan
The State Water Plan Fund (SWPF) is a statutory fund (KSA 2023 Supp. 82a-951) created by the 1989 Legislature for the purpose of implementing the State Water Plan (KSA 2023 Supp. 82a-903, et seq.). The SWPF is subject to appropriation acts by the Legislature and may be used for the establishment and implementation of water-related projects or programs and related technical assistance. Funding from the SWPF may not be used to replace full-time equivalent (FTE) positions or for recreational projects that do not meet the goals or objectives of the State Water Plan.
Administration of Water in Kansas
This memorandum describes the administration of water in Kansas by state agencies, including which state agencies have the primary duty regarding administration of water and other state agencies that have smaller roles regarding the state’s water supply.
Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund
This memorandum describes the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund (PWSLF), its history and purpose, how the fund works, administration of the fund, priority projects, and financial status of the PWSLF.
Administration of Water in Kansas
The administration of water in Kansas – generally regarding its allocation, cleanliness, and availability – is, for the most part, divided among three state agencies: The following state agencies and entities have limited roles in the administration of water: Adjutant General’s OfficeDepartment of CommerceDivision of Conservation, KDABureau of Environmental Field Services, KDHEBureau of Environmental Remediation,Continue reading “Administration of Water in Kansas”
Cotton in Kansas
Heather O’HaraPrincipal Research AnalystHeather.O’Hara@klrd.ks.gov785-296-7792 Meredith FryResearch AnalystMeredith.Fry@klrd.ks.gov785-296-7882 Cotton Production in Kansas Cotton was introduced in Kansas in the 19th century. Though it has never been a mainstream crop in the state’s agriculture sector, Kansas currently ranks 14th nationwide in cotton production. Additionally, production has been steadily increasing. Since 1996, cotton production and ginning in theContinue reading “Cotton in Kansas”
Western Water Issues
Elaina RudderResearch AnalystElaina.Rudder@klrd.ks.gov785-296-4395 Heather O’HaraPrincipal Research AnalystHeather.O’Hara@klrd.ks.gov785-296-7792 Water Shortage Declared On August 16, 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) declared the first-ever official water shortage on the Colorado River. This declaration triggered significant mandatory water cuts in the Colorado River Basin. While Kansas is not part of the Colorado River Basin, it does haveContinue reading “Western Water Issues”
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