By Scout Nelson
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas has announced a $2 million federal investment for the Kansas Forest Service to strengthen wildfire response efforts and support implementation of the agency’s Kansas Forest Action Plan. The announcement was made at the Riley County EMS Headquarters in Manhattan with representatives from state and local fire and emergency management agencies.
As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Moran secured the funding through the FY2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which was signed into law on January 23. The investment is intended to improve wildfire preparedness and provide additional support to local firefighting operations across Kansas.
The funding will be used to purchase essential fire management equipment, including fire trucks, hand tools, machinery, and personal protective equipment (PPE). It will also help advance key priorities outlined in the Kansas Forest Action Plan, enhancing the state's ability to respond to wildfire threats.
Earlier this year, Moran visited several Kansas communities impacted by wildfires, where he met with local firefighters and assessed fire-related damage. Those visits highlighted the need for additional resources to support emergency response efforts and protect communities from future wildfire risks.
In addition to securing federal funding, Moran has backed long-term wildfire prevention measures through the CRP Flexibility and Improvement Act. The legislation would expand grazing access on Conservation Reserve Program lands to help reduce wildfire risks and has been included in the Senate Farm Bill.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-paul-hartley
Categories: Kansas, General, Rural Lifestyle