Hays, Ellis County leaders lobby federal lawmakers on local water, mental health priorities
11-person delegation travels to Washington to seek funding for emergency communications and regional projects
HAYS, Kan. — A delegation of 11 local leaders from Hays and Ellis County traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., seeking federal support for emergency communications, infrastructure and behavioral health initiatives.
During the visit, officials stressed the need to replace aging mobile and portable radios and upgrade tower equipment to ensure reliable communications for public safety agencies. The group also advocated for sustained Essential Air Service funding to maintain commercial flights at Hays Regional Airport and briefed Moran on the R9 Ranch Project, a planned 66-mile water pipeline from Ness County intended to secure the region's long-term municipal water supply.
The delegation included Hays Mayor Mason Ruder, Ellis County Commissioners Neal Younger and Nathan Leiker, and Ellis County Sheriff Scott Braun. Healthcare and civic representatives updated Moran on the High Plains Mental Health Center's new Crisis Intervention Center, scheduled to open in May, and discussed a proposal to establish Hays as a regional behavioral health hub.
Also attending were County Administrator Dain Myers, City Commissioner David Vilaysing, Deputy City Manager Collin Bielser, Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman, Bryan Brady of HaysMed, Craig Poe of High Plains Mental Health Center and Sarah Wasinger of the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below:
