TOPEKA–House Speaker Ray Merrick recently appointed Michael Armstrong of Fairway and General Manager of WaterOne to serve on the Kansas Water Authority (KWA).

Armstrong has served as General Manager of WaterOne since 2003. Based in Lenexa, it is one of the largest independent non-profit public water utilities in the state with treatment plants and water intakes on the Kansas and Missouri Rivers. Armstrong previously represented water supply stakeholders on the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee, a stakeholder advisory committee for the Army Corps of Engineers.

He is originally from Goodland and holds a degree in Political Science from Kansas State University and a law degree from the University of Kansas.

“I’m pleased to appoint Michael to this position, because I know his expertise will be a benefit to the Kansas Water Authority as they work on solutions to preserve one of our state’s most precious resources,” Merrick said in a news release.

The KWA is responsible for advising the Governor, Legislature and Director of the Kansas Water Office on water policy issues. They also ensure that water policies and programs address the needs of all Kansans as well as serve as advisors of the Kansas Water Vision and Kansas Water Plan. The KWA was established in 1981 and consists of 13 voting members who are appointed by the Governor or Legislative leadership. State agency directors serve as ex-officio members.

KWA meetings are held throughout the year and for information and upcoming meetings, visit www.kwo.org.