Press Releases

WASHINGTON—Congressman Ron Estes (R-Kansas) released the following statement on the announcement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that it will not make a request for water to the State of Kansas for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Fiscal Year 2020.

"Water is the lifeblood of communities throughout our state, impacting farmers, businesses and local economies," said Rep. Estes. "Thankfully, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has agreed not to make a request for water from the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in fiscal year 2020, providing stability in the short term for communities in central Kansas that have been working toward a local, voluntary solution. This announcement allows federal, state, and local leaders to work together to develop long-term, non-regulatory solutions that are good for the environment and local farmers and ranchers. While I've actively sought a resolution at the federal level, I'm thankful to the local citizens who vigorously continue to pursue a satisfactory and mutually beneficial resolution to this challenging and ongoing issue. I look forward to working with local stakeholders, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Kansas Congressional Delegation on a long-term solution."

Since entering Congress, Rep. Estes has met with numerous stakeholders and engaged the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture on this issue.

Upon notification from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Water Resources confirmed it will not issue any administrative orders regarding water use in Groundwater Management District 5 for the 2020 growing season.

Find more information about the announcement here.

Ron Estes is a 5th generation Kansan and represents Kansas’ 4th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means.