Kansas Officials Developing 50-Year Water Plan

Kansas officials working on a 50-year water plan say regional conservation efforts and the Missouri River are likely to be included.

A six-member team developing the plan discussed the work Friday with reporters after a daylong meeting with about 150 state and local officials and members of the general public in Manhattan.

Gov. Sam Brownback called in October for a 50-year water plan.

Team members said the plan is likely to suggest regional management of conservation efforts because there’s a desire to maintain local control. They also said there’s a sense that Kansas is not fully utilizing the Missouri River on its northeast border.

Officials have had more than 140 meetings with 8,000 people around the state since October. The team expects to finish a first draft its plan in May.