The Equus Beds Aquifer Storage and Recharge (ASR) Project in Wichita, Kan., will receive $1 million in new funding from the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation, according to the office of U.S. Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS).
“As an advocate for this project, I’m grateful for the work of the Bureau of Reclamation to ensure that Wichita has a safe and sustainable water supply,” Rep. Estes said.
The purpose of the Equus Beds ASR project is to take water from the Little Arkansas River and store it in the aquifer to increase the amount of groundwater available for later use and to raise water levels in the aquifer, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), which heads up the project.
“Investing in the infrastructure of south central Kansas will promote the long-term health and safety of our community,” said Rep. Estes. “Recharging the Equus Beds aquifer ensures that we will be able to meet the growing water supply needs of Wichita.”
Rep. Estes recently voiced support for the City of Wichita’s request for $2 million in funding for the ASR project, according to a Jan. 12 letter the congressman sent to Bureau of Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman. The city is the largest city in Rep. Estes’ congressional district.
“Without the means to implement the much-needed improvements to Wichita’s current ASR infrastructure, the city will face uncertainty during the time of a drought, leading to a decreased water supply,” Rep. Estes wrote. “In order to avoid a disastrous economic situation, I am requesting that the City of Wichita is given all due consideration for this funding in order to ensure an adequate water supply for the city.”