Federal funding for Garnett’s Water Plant Project and numerous other projects in Kansas, won a narrow approval in the United States Congress recently, but there is some contention about 3rd District Representative Sharice Davids and how she voted. Davids voted ‘no’ and some are questioning why she would vote no on the project. Garnett had requested $5 million through Davids’ office for the estimated $22 million project during the 2024 round of federal funding requests. The plan would construct a new water treatment facility. Garnett’s is near the end of it’s serviceable life. Garnett City Commissioner, Mark Locke called it unacceptable and wants to know why she wouldn’t support the project. But, some Democrats, including Davids, were not happy with the huge amount slashed from the bill. A spokesperson for her says she voted against it because it would endanger public health, put a strain on local, increase costs, and decrease natural disaster preparedness. The Bill, approved by Congress, only provided $959,000 of the $5 million, over 80% less than requested for the project.
