SE Kansas News

Western Kansas representatives gathered in Washington, D.C., this week as part of an annual event. The delegation included mayors, county commissioners, and business owners from various communities in the region.

Attendees engaged in panels and receptions, and many held meetings for further discussions. "I met with members of the Garden City delegation who provided me updates on their water reuse project to help protect the Ogallala Aquifer for generations to come," stated one of the participants.

Additionally, the delegation addressed the benefits and importance of transportation programs. These discussions covered topics such as the Essential Air Service program, long-distance rail service, and efforts to enhance the region’s emergency response capabilities. This includes the proposals with regional resources like their wildland firefighting team.

Meetings also highlighted steps to increase higher education opportunities in western Kansas. This is intended to be achieved through partnerships with Kansas universities and local community colleges.

"Thank you to Mayor Roy Cessna, City Commissioners Tom Nguyen, City Manager Matt Allen, Assistant City Manager Daniel Burke, Chamber President Myca Bunch and Board Chair Debbie Young and Finney County Economic Development President Lona DuVall for meeting with me in Washington, D.C.," expressed one of the speakers.