City of Hays
The City of Hays has been awarded a Build Kansas grant totaling $15,833,333 to develop a sustainable long-term water supply in Edwards County.
Announcing the award city officials emphasized its importance in addressing the critical water needs facing the city and its regional partner, Russell.
The awarded funds support a joint initiative between the City of Hays and the City of Russell, co-owners of the R9 Ranch in Edwards County, where the water supply will be developed.
This project aims to ensure water sustainability, addressing urgent needs created by current inadequate and drought-susceptible water sources for both cities.
"Securing this Build Kansas grant marks a significant step forward in our effort to provide Hays and Russell with a reliable water source," said Toby Dougherty, Hays city manager. "This investment is crucial for ensuring our community's long-term sustainability and resilience against drought conditions that have historically challenged our region."
The joint Hays-Russell project involves developing infrastructure to extract and transport water from the property.
The new water supply is expected to meet the current and future demands of both communities, significantly reducing vulnerability during periods of extended drought. The Build Kansas grant plays a pivotal role by providing the necessary non-federal matching funds required for an even larger federal funding opportunity.
By providing match funding, the program empowers municipalities to pursue additional federal resources, maximizing their ability to address significant infrastructure challenges.
The City of Hays is currently seeking an additional $50 million through the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Award announcements for the BRIC funding are anticipated later this summer.
John Braun, R9 project manager for the City of Hays, underscored the importance of these complementary funding sources for project completion.
"This Build Kansas grant positions us strategically as we apply for the BRIC funding," Braun said. "Having secured these essential matching funds significantly strengthens our BRIC grant application, giving our project a competitive edge. This combined funding approach is vital to ensuring we can successfully implement and complete this critical infrastructure."
For decades, the cities of Hays and Russell have faced considerable water challenges due to inadequate local water resources and ongoing drought conditions.
These factors have put significant stress on existing water infrastructure, prompting city leadership to prioritize securing long-term, drought-resistant water solutions.
"Water is the lifeblood of any community," Dougherty said. "We cannot overstate the importance of this project to the future prosperity and stability of our region. Our ability to provide residents and businesses with a reliable water supply not only protects our cities but also positions the region for continued economic growth and development."
Mayor Sandy Jacobs expressed gratitude for the state's support, calling the grant award a critical investment in regional resilience.
"We deeply appreciate receiving this grant, recognizing the magnitude of support it represents for the residents of Hays and Russell," Jacobs said. "Securing a sustainable water future through this funding is a testament to the cooperative efforts of our two cities and the state’s commitment to supporting resilient community infrastructure."