KDHE Assists City With River Program and Illegal Dumping Initiative
Two environmental projects by the City of Wichita have been awarded $122,000 in state funding from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE).
One project will provide watershed protection for the Arkansas River. The other will allow the clean-up of illegal dumps found on public park lands.
“These state funds give us the opportunity to take extra steps to improve our environment,” said Kay Johnson, Environmental Services Director for the City of Wichita. “We greatly appreciate the funding support from KDHE that will make it possible.”
The Arkansas River project is part of the state’s Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy (WRAPS) program. Funded in the amount of $60,000, it will identify stakeholder interest along the river and determine clean-up priorities. Several City departments along with Sedgwick County will participate in the project.
Part of this funding will support a “green roof” demonstration project that is currently being designed for the Rounds and Porter Building on the City Hall campus. “Green roofs” provide environmental and economic benefits such as reduced storm water runoff for pollution prevention, thermal insulation and longer life for building components.
“KDHE funding for the demonstration project allows us to take a major step forward in our continual search for building efficiencies,” said Chris Carrier, City of Wichita Public Works Director.
The Illegal Dumping Initiative is a partnership between the City’s Environmental Services Department and Parks and Recreation Department. Funding of $62,000 will target illegal dumping on public park land. KDHE Secretary Roderick Bremby and Interim City Manager Ed Flentje have signed contracts for cleanup of seven sites on public parkland.
“We have to clean these areas up anyway,” said Parks and Recreation Director Doug Kupper. “The KDHE grants help us to do it sooner with less strain on our existing resources.”
The project began last year as a partnership between the Environmental Services Department and the KDHE Bureau of Waste Management and included $7,300 for two cleanups. The continued project demonstrates the commitment by Environmental Services to identify and prosecute illegal dumpers.
Wichita City Council has approved a 25 percent match for both the Arkansas River grant and the illegal dumping initiative.
“It is appropriate that we announce these projects on Earth Day,” Johnson said. “We hope citizens will begin to see the results in the near future.”
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