By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

RUSSELL — The quest to create a new regional water source has the city of Hays asking the Russell City Council for a letter of support.

Hays City Manager Toby Dougherty presented information regarding the development of the R9 Ranch to Russell commissioners Tuesday afternoon.

Considering Russell owns 18 percent of the ranch located in Edwards County, city attorney John Bird said in order to “confidently start filing applications,” it was important both owners agree to their intent to use the R-9 ranch as a water source.

Dougherty assured the council it would be the city of Hays taking the monetary risk throughout the lengthy regulatory process.

Cost estimates for the project are approximately $65 million, and Dougherty has said the regulatory approval process could take between five and 15 years. A portion of the funding already has been placed in reserves, the result of special sales tax dedicated to fund water projects has been collected since 1992. Through the years, a reserve of approximately $27 million has been built up in the water project fund.

“Personally, I am very supportive,” said Russell Mayor Curt Mader. “I think it is fantastic it is finally moving forward after all these years.”

Mader acknowledged he initially had heard objections from within the community, but now feels Russell residents “understand you are not going to drain the water wells, and people are much more educated on the process.”

Mader commended the city of Hays for taking on the project.

“Hopefully, we will be able to be very supportive,” he said.

Commissioners Kent Steward,  Shaun Musil and Ron Mellick also attended the meeting.

Dougherty said the city already has letters of support from Ellis and La Crosse and will be talking to city staff in Victoria and other districts soon.