Quivira NWR Water Issue
September 05, 2023
The Quivira water rights issue has once again surfaced and could wreak havoc on the economy in our county and surrounding areas. The previously approved agreement that established a sustainable path forward without drastic cuts seems to be in jeopardy. Analysis of the cuts that were being considered in 2019 showed an economic impact of over $100 million per year. There is talk that the cuts being proposed for 2024 are double what they were previously.
The area for the proposed cuts would have an impact on every square mile of our school district boundaries (see the GIF below). The direct impact to our district would be in a lower tax base. The effects on farmers and nearly every business in our community would be devastating. Our Board of Education spent a considerable amount of time discussing the issue at the last meeting. They have agreed to sign onto a letter being sent to the director of the US Fish & Wildlife Service asking that the established agreement be allowed to continue. The letter can be found in the link below. This issue is something that everyone in our community should be aware of.
Letter to USFWS Director Sept 2023
GMD #5 Website with Information
