Topeka ? The state’s top water official will take a new position in Gov. Kathleen Sebelius’ administration to focus on long-term natural resource issues confronting Kansas, officials said Monday.

Joe Harkins, acting director of the Kansas Water Office, will leave that post to become director of natural resources policy for Sebelius.

Harkins, 65, said the reason for the move was twofold — to bring in a person to head the water office who could make a long-term commitment to changing that agency, and to place himself, a government veteran, in a position to do research and analysis and advise Sebelius.

“There are lots and lots of issues that state government has to analyze carefully now so that we make good decisions that will have a positive impact on future generations,” Harkins said.

“You have to take time to analyze and pick the best brains we have in the state and provide good advice to the governor,” he said.

Harkins declined to say who would replace him at the Water Office. Sources indicated it would be Tracy Streeter, the executive director of the Kansas Conservation Commission.

Sebelius appointed Harkins to lead the state Water Office during a difficult time at the agency.

He replaced acting director Clark Duffy, who had replaced Al LeDoux. LeDoux had been sentenced to prison in connection with a sexual assault case.

Harkins was no stranger to the Water Office, having led it from 1982 to 1991 under former Govs. John Carlin and Mike Hayden.

Nicole Corcoran, a spokeswoman for Sebelius, said an official announcement would be made today.

Since taking office in 2003, Sebelius also has set up advisory positions in her administration for education and health planning.