A task force appointed by Gov. Sam Brownback to develop a 50-year vision for Kansas water resources will conduct a public meeting at Kansas University later this month.

According to a news release from KU, the “Vision Team” is seeking input from KU faculty, staff and students, area businesses and local government leaders, as well as from the general public, about a long-term plan for the protection and use of water resources.

At a meeting last week in Manhattan, the Vision Team held a daylong planning session to develop an initial draft of a plan to address varied water concerns in different parts of the state. Among the issues discussed were proposals for dredging silt out of eastern Kansas reservoirs and building a 450-mile aqueduct to carry water from the Missouri River to drought-stricken areas of southwestern Kansas.

Following that meeting, Kansas Agriculture Secretary Jackie McClaskey said the Vision Team would schedule local public meetings throughout the state to solicit additional input.

“KU has long played an active role in water research and data analysis,” McClaskey said of the upcoming meeting in Lawrence. “The Vision Team wants community as well as campus information, ideas and strategies so we can make sure water is available to keep Kansas’ economy strong.”

The meeting is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. April 24 in the Kansas Room of the Kansas Union.

People who want to attend are asked to RSVP at KURES@KU.edu.