Gov. Brownback speaking at the Governor’s Water Conference in Manhattan. (Staff Photo by Andrew Shores)
You would have to be a stranger to the midwest if you were unaware of the severe water issues that have plagued Kansas for years, and over 600 conservationists gathered at the Hilton Garden Inn Conference Center for the Governor’s Water Conference.
In 2012, Governor Sam Brownback took steps toward the future by implementing a water conservation plan that has now come to fruition. Brownback added importance to the issue by saying natural resources that are used today will be unavailable for future generations to utilize.
“One of our biggest challenges will be to connect all Kansans to water so they may understand the critical importance of this resource. People must use water efficiently and effectively to extend the life of our aquifers and reservoirs across the state,” Brownback said. He said the added cost of conservation practices will be worth it in order to ensure water for future generations.
The Governor’s speech opened a two-day conference that features a variety of keynote speeches, and honored a western Kansas man for his efforts in conserving the Ogallala Aquifer. Wayne Bossert, Hoxie, developed a Local Environment Management Area that has started conservation practices in Sheridan County.
Brownback briefly commented on current issues revolving around the terrorist attacks in Paris and refugees seeking safety in Kansas.
“I think we should take refugees, but not ones that have the potential of attacking us… I would really hope the President and his administration really step up and say, “You know, we have really misgauged where the American people are on taking Syrian refugees.””
