[ Sen. Dave Kerr, R-Hutchinson ]

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Feb 8, 2001 by Capital-Journal

Sen. Dave Kerr, R-Hutchinson

- Hearing to address Hutchinson natural gas explosions --- Hutchinson legislators hope a public hearing will help rebuild confidence in the city following January's natural gas explosions.

Senate President Dave Kerr, R-Hutchinson, said Wednesday the Senate Utilities Committee will have a hearing Feb. 27 to review regulations on underground gas storage.

"This is a new, unique industry, and we must discover correct regulations so that an event like this does not happen again," Kerr said.

On Jan. 17, natural gas leaked from a storage facility seven miles northwest of Hutchinson, built up under the city and erupted into the air. Explosions killed two people in a mobile home park and destroyed two downtown businesses.

Hutchinson Reps. Mike O'Neal, a Republican, and Jan Pauls, a Democrat, joined Kerr and Senate Utilities Committee Chairman Stan Clark, R-Oakley, in announcing the hearing.

- House Appropriations endorses budgets for agriculture agencies - -- Legislators are looking for ways to pay for a $24 million plan for improving the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson.

House Appropriations Committee members said Wednesday they support the State Fair Board's desire to improve the grounds but aren't willing to have the state bear the entire cost.

The committee endorsed proposed budgets for the fair and other agriculture and natural resources agencies.

A subcommittee suggested the fair board consider issuing bonds to fund the improvements, which would be completed over several years.

Sources in Hutchinson and Reno County have pledged to contribute $300,000 annually over 10 years for the plan if the state will provide money as well. The subcommittee recommended a state contribution of $300,000.

Some Appropriations Committee members expressed concern that the Legislature has shortchanged the state fair, considered a showcase for Kansas goods and a tool for economic development.

--- The Associated Press