Title
MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN KANSAS DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, PARKS AND TOURISM AND SEDGWICK COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS.
Presented by: David C. Spears, P.E., Director of Public Works/County Engineer.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Receive and file.
Body
Many construction and maintenance activities performed by Public Works crews and contractors require various environmental permits before they can be undertaken. The Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism (KDWPT) is a state agency that must review and approve many county projects for potential impacts to threatened and endangered species in the state.
Commissioner Ranzau engaged KDWPT in a dialog about threatened and endangered species several years ago and has encouraged Public Works to work with the state to find ways to minimize the time delays and project costs that are associated with state requirements to protect listed threatened and endangered species. Chairman Howell joined the conversation last year and the two were able to engage regulators at every level of the KDWPT. This past year the commissioners and Public Works were able to meet with Robin Jennison, the Secretary of KDWPT, and members of his staff on multiple occasions to discuss the issues. This effort resulted in a fully executed Memorandum of Agreement that will streamline project approvals and in many cases eliminate the need for project review and approval if a specified set of best management practices can be followed. This agreement is unique in that Sedgwick County is the only unit of local government in Kansas that has been able to reach such an agreement with KDWPT.
Public Works will present an overview of the memorandum of agreement.
Alternatives: None
Financial Considerations: None
Legal Considerations: The memorandum of agreement was reviewed and approved as to form by the County Counselor's Office prior to execution by the Director of Public Works.
Policy Considerations: None
Outside Attendees: None
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