Kansas Water Congress

An important strategy for progress is first to realize that great institutions are seldom built by giant leaps, but rather by small steps taken consistently in the same direction, and that vision of what ought to be is a requirement of progress and leadership.  Reality often requires a second and even a third opinion, and that diversity in people and ideas is a cornerstone of organizational strength.  And finally, a critical correlative benefit of the consensus of "common enlightenment and understanding," is the creation of a strong sense of unity and community.  The Kansas Water Congress can provide the vehicle and forum for unity of purpose and objectives in supporting the formation and execution of a stable water policy for a unified Kansas.

Mission:

The mission of the Kansas Water Congress will be to promote the wise management and stewardship of the State's water resources and to protect, conserve, and develop Kansas Water resources for the benefit of Kansas' present and future generations.

The Kansas Water Congress is a non-for profit, fee funded entity separate and distinct from existing state agencies, associations, other organizations and direct political affiliation.

In support of the mission the Congress will:

• Provide a forum where the water users strive to reach consensus on water issues;

• Advocate positions on water policy;

• Promote and advocate interactions between water related state agencies, water districts and facilitate cooperation and efficiency in this process;

• Provide education and information on water issues affecting Kansas;

• Promote a broad base of membership, which would include both sustaining and individual members representing a diversified base of water interests and users.

Governance:

A board of directors will govern the Kansas Water Congress with representatives from throughout the state.  The Congress' main involvement in Kansas water resources are:

• State water related legislation and issues;

• Federal water related legislation and issues affecting Kansas;

• Water education;

• Help in protecting and shaping Kansas' water policies and laws.

The staff will initially be comprised of an executive director, assistant, and minimal support staff when needed.  Staff requirements will need to be flexible and adjustable particularly during startup and development of the Congress.

Budget:

The budget will be primarily fueled by funds generated by annual membership fees, both individual and sustaining, educational/informational seminars and workshops, along with acceptable non-encumbered contributions for initial startup costs and organization.

Membership fees will be broken down on the basis of individual, municipal, agricultural, industrial, state agency and consumer.  Both individual and sustaining membership will be represented in 29 divisions across the State.

Summary:

The Colorado Water Congress, which was established in 1958 due to significant differences between the East slope and West slope, agricultural, and municipal interests, has been significantly successful in facilitating consensus and influencing state legislation.

For more information contact:

David A. Brenn                             Sean M. Miller
Board President                           Administrative Associate
212 SW 8th Ave., Ste. 201          212 SW 8th Ave., Ste. 201      
Topeka, KS  66612                      Topeka, KS  66612 
Phone:  785-290-0003                 Phone:  785-393-1517
Fax:  785-234-2930
Cell:  620-287-4541