by BECKY GOFF
Little Apple Post
RILEY COUNTY - On Tuesday, the Kansas Water Office and Governor Kelly, along with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment awarded funding for the Keats Sewer Project.
The funds were made possible by the 2023 Senate Substitute for House Bill 2302, which was signed by Governor Laura Kelly in April 2023.
“We are extremely happy to be receiving these resources for our community,” Kansas Sen. Usha Reddi, District 22, said. “Especially being a rural community with so many stormwater and other water infrastructure needs. We are grateful to the Governor and KDHE for providing Riley County with this major funding.”
“These are wonderful grants for two communities who have worked long and hard for many years to finally have enough money to complete both projects,” Kansas Rep. Lewis Bloom, House District 64, said.
Funding for the Keats will be used for a new wastewater lagoon facility and collection system to replace the aging individual residential onsite systems.
The Kansas Water Office awarded a Technical Assistance Grant to use for evaluating sites to house the new facility, while KDHE is investing $2,537,790 to help implement this project.
“This grant award represents not just an infusion of funds but a lifeline for rural communities in Riley County. Without this crucial support, residents faced losing their homes and the town of Keats could have disappeared altogether,” Riley County Planning Director Amanda Webb said. “We’re so grateful these vital rural communities will remain livable and vibrant well into the future.”