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Disagreement Delays Kansas Statehouse Power Plant Project

Photo by Stephen Koranda
Photo by Stephen Koranda

A power plant construction project near the Kansas Statehouse has been delayed after lawmakers raised concerns. The plant will power the capitol and other office buildings.

Governor Sam Brownback’s administration reached the $20 million agreement to finance the facility without legislative approval. Democratic Senator Laura Kelly is not happy with the cost or how the governor’s office reached the agreement.


“I was furious that they took it upon themselves to go behind our backs to make an agreement that didn’t require legislative approval. They designed it in such a way that they wouldn’t have to come back to see us,” says Kelly.

 

Republican House Speaker Ray Merrick says there are unanswered questions about the agreement and lawmakers are committed to making sure there’s transparency.

 

Eileen Hawley, a spokeswoman for Governor Brownback, says they’re delaying the project while they provide additional information to lawmakers. She says the administration looks forward to finding a resolution.

 

Stephen Koranda is KPR's Statehouse reporter.