Davids Visits WaterOne Facility, Touts Federal Funds for Emergency Preparedness
Today, Representative Sharice Davids visited the WaterOne facility in Olathe, meeting with staff and touring the Ralph Wyss Pumping Station, which primarily serves southern Johnson County. Last week, Congress reviewed and advanced Davids' request for federal funds to purchase a backup generator for this facility, which would provide safe and clean drinking water to Kansas households in times of emergency.
"As climate-related disasters become more frequent, it is critical that our essential services have clear emergency preparedness protocols. We saw the effects earlier this year when extreme winter storms caused power and heat shortages across Kansas," said Davids. "I'm glad to help WaterOne deliver on their commitment to safety by bringing federal funds one step closer to home. This backup generator would ensure folks in our community have access to clean, safe water no matter what comes our way."
Davids with WaterOne staff
Davids' request for funds to purchase a backup generator was included in the House Homeland Security Subcommittee appropriations bill last week. If approved, it would cover $4,837,500, or about 75% of the total project costs. The generator would provide back-up power for the Ralph Wyss Pumping Station, which operates a 7.5 million gallon reservoir and transmission main. In the event of a widespread power outage, WaterOne would be able to use the backup generator to continue providing clean and safe water to over 400,000 customers in Johnson County.
"Rep. Davids' advocacy on directing these federal funds to WaterOne's critical infrastructure helps us further safeguard essential water service to over 400,000 Kansans," said Mike Armstrong, General Manager of WaterOne. "A backup generator would support WaterOne's commitment to emergency preparedness, protecting quality of life, public safety, and economic vitality in this area of the state."
More information on WaterOne's request can be found here and the latest Appropriations Committee tables can be found here. It is expected to be voted on later this month in Congress.