As Kansas lawmakers reconvene for another legislative session, $2.5 million allocated for health testing of communities affected by groundwater contamination remains untouched. Progress may finally unfold as the city of Wichita and Sedgwick County prepare for critical votes this week to unlock these funds.
Key Votes to Unlock State Funds
Sedgwick County is set to vote on Wednesday to sign an agreement with the state to release part of the funds. Wichita’s City Council will vote on Tuesday to contribute $125,000 in matching funds, which the county will match, fulfilling part of the required $1 million local match to access the state’s allocation.
The Kansas Legislature approved the funds in June 2024 to address the discovery of a toxic chemical spill in northeast Wichita, impacting historically Black neighborhoods. However, slow progress in deploying these funds has drawn criticism.
Why the Delay?
Blame for Delays
Some state legislators, including Rep. Ford Carr, attribute the delays to the city and county’s slow provision of matching funds. Carr expressed frustration, stating that other communities might have acted with greater urgency.
City and County’s Perspective
Local officials argue they needed time to devise a comprehensive plan beneficial to federally qualified health centers responsible for testing. They also cite insufficient guidance from the state as a contributing factor.
Sedgwick County Commission Chairman Ryan Baty emphasized the importance of building a sustainable system to support affected residents.
Ongoing Health Challenges for Residents
The Contaminant: Trichloroethylene
In 2022, residents near 29th and Grove learned about groundwater contamination involving trichloroethylene (TCE), a carcinogen linked to elevated liver cancer rates in the area. Although residents were advised to undergo screenings, the absence of financial support hindered access to tests.
Health Clinics’ Response
Local health centers like Hunter Health and GraceMed have faced challenges in providing mass testing. Hunter Health highlighted the potential health benefits of swift action, while GraceMed utilized private donations to continue offering free health screenings.
Funding Struggles and Initial Efforts
In the 2024 legislative session, legislators secured $2.5 million for health testing, with the stipulation of a $1 million local match. Early efforts to provide testing were supported by private donors, including the Kansas Health Foundation, which contributed $400,000 for unreimbursed testing. However, logistical hurdles limited the use of these funds, with only 73 patients benefiting from the allocation.
Key Funding Sources and Usage
| Funding Source | Amount | Purpose | Utilization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas Health Foundation | $400,000 | Testing for contamination-affected areas | $32,850 (73 tests) |
| Kansas Legislature Allocation | $2.5 million | Health testing related to contamination | Pending |
| Local Government Matching Funds | $1 million (required) | Unlock state funds | In progress |
Exploring New Solutions
Investing in Equipment
Discussions have shifted toward using state and local funds to purchase medical equipment such as MRI machines and CT scanners. This approach would allow clinics to conduct in-house testing and support long-term health monitoring for affected residents. However, some state lawmakers oppose this, arguing it deviates from the original legislative intent.
Addressing Long-Term Needs
Equipping clinics with advanced medical technology could address the need for ongoing testing over residents’ lifetimes. Yet, additional staffing and operational resources are essential to make this plan effective.
Legal and Administrative Hurdles
Efforts to resolve funding issues have been slowed by legal interpretations of the state bill and disagreements over how the funds can be spent. Protests from community members and state lawmakers highlight growing frustration over the slow rollout of funds.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
To release the state funds, Sedgwick County must approve a memorandum of agreement with the state. Once signed, $1.5 million will be disbursed, with additional funds released as local match contributions are secured. The city and county aim to meet the June 30 deadline for raising the full $1 million match.
County Commissioner Jim Howell has expressed skepticism about purchasing equipment, underscoring the need to focus on immediate testing needs. Despite the challenges, local leaders remain confident about securing the required funds and implementing a long-term solution.
The delayed implementation of Kansas’ groundwater contamination testing program underscores the complexities of coordinating state, local, and private resources. While progress has been slow, upcoming votes and innovative proposals for investing in medical equipment could pave the way for long-term health benefits. Success will hinge on collaboration, transparency, and addressing the unique needs of affected communities.