McPHERSON, Kan. — The McPherson Board of Public Utilities (BPU) has received $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to help offset rising costs related to the South Well Field project.
The funding, requested by Senator Jerry Moran, was included in HR 6938 which President Trump signed into law Jan. 23, 2026.
The project was originally financed through $27.6 million in revenue bonds; however, the project experienced a $6 million cost increase due to inflation and supply chain disruptions shortly after construction began.
The BPU had received some assistance from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, however a funding gap remained that would have depleted their long range reserve funds.
Construction of the South Well Field Project, which connects wells located in Harvey County with BPU’s water distribution system, began in 2020 and was completed in 2024. It came about as a means to secure additional water supplies for McPherson, where an Intensive Groundwater Use Control Area has been in place since 1980 due to declining aquifer levels.
BPU General Manager Josh Bedel said the project represents one of the most important water infrastructure projects in McPherson’s history. “We are grateful to Senator Moran and to President Trump for recognizing the importance of sustainable water infrastructure for rural Kansas communities,” Bedel said.
For more information, visit mcphersonpower.com.
