Stricter Water Pumping Penalties Urged
(AP) - A state lawmaker says it may be time for Kansas to consider stricter penalties for irrigators who pump beyond their allotted amount of water.
Rep. Joe Seiwert told the Special Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources he's received several letters from irrigators who are trying to follow state water conservation rules and are angry about neighbors who flout those rules.
Seiwert says it may be time for tougher enforcement and higher penalties, similar to efforts decades ago to make drunken driving a more serious crime.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports (http://bit.ly/1bK6W6o ) that Rep. Sharon Schwartz urges caution, saying not everyone who over pumps does it intentionally.
Jackie McClaskey, acting secretary of the state Department of Agriculture, says the department is looking into new penalties for water conservation violations.
MOST VIEWED STORIES
One person injured in Brown Co rollover crash
Atchison man pleads not guilty to charges in Brown Co case
St. Joseph Mo man killed in KS crash
Two killed in two-vehicle Otoe County crash
Sunday evening kitchen fires battled in Atchison; one injured
Pole struck Friday; young cyclist struck Saturday in Atchison hit and run
U.S. 75 project to begin Monday in Brown Co
Woman arrested after Holton search warrant
Atchison man arrested following pursuit
Officer bitten during Atchison arrest
Richardson County Board denies grievances
Pottawatomie Co Sheriff's Office K9 dies
Hiawatha USD 415 Supt. announces retirement
Mayetta man faces child sex-crimes in Shawnee Co
Project to begin Monday on U.S. 36 in Fairview
City Commission approves removal of breed-specific dog ban
"Highly anticipated" blackout plates coming to KS
LATEST STORIES
Auburn BPW Stage 3 Drought Contingency remains in place
Free fishing and parks day in Nebraska on Saturday
Falls City School Board receives update on Career Academy
Two local libraries awarded literacy grants
Hiawatha USD 415 Supt. announces retirement
Commission approves ordinance allowing firework sales in city
Longtme Falls City business owner dies