Lawmakers are demanding funding after the city and county failed to provide money for groundwater testing at 29th and Grove

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) – Kansas lawmakers presented a $2.5 million check to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) for groundwater testing in a north Wichita neighborhood near 29th and Grove. However, hurdles must be overcome before testing can be carried out.

Kansas lawmakers presented a $2 million check to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment for groundwater testing.(KWCH)

About 50 years ago, a chemical spill at a Union Pacific rail yard ultimately led to health problems for people in the 29th and Grove area. The exposure led to a higher risk of cancer and a low birth rate.

However, before state funds can be used for testing, some issues must be resolved with city and county leaders.

Before state funds can be released, the City of Wichita and Sedgwick County must release their share of funds for testing.

“The first million dollars requires a $1 million grant from the local municipality, i.e. the county and/or city. They have not yet met that requirement,” said Kansas Rep. Ford Carr of Wichita.

However, there is no funding for spill testing in the 2025 city or county budget.

Now the president of the Northeast Neighborhood Association is calling on city and county leaders to act quickly.

“We need to have the appropriate million from either the city, the county or a combination of both. But they have to do their part,” said Aujanae Bennett, president of the Northeast Miller Neighborhood Association.

The City of Wichita and Sedgwick County each released statements regarding the need for groundwater testing and their role in it.

City of Wichita:

“We are currently having discussions about it. In the meantime, we are pleased that the state is supporting groundwater testing efforts in this neighborhood. We were happy to help bring this issue to light to ensure this area is properly sanitized and tested.” We look forward to continuing to work with the state and county health departments toward our shared goal of keeping the… residents of Kansas.”

Sedgwick County:

“Sedgwick County is continually working with KDHE, Union Pacific, the Kansas Health Foundation, the City of Wichita, the Governor’s Office and our local Federal Qualified Health Clinics (FQHCs) regarding the contamination at 29th and Grove. The governor and state legislature approved funding this year, and the details of local support are still being discussed.”

To continue testing in the community, some local health clinics are stepping up to offer testing to those who need it.

“GraceMed, Hunter Health and Health Core. All three have decided to get involved and will provide the test for free and will not reimburse the cost until a later date,” said Rep. Carr.

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