Page 2 - 2023 Summer BPU Connection-WQR FINAL v10 PDF

FEDERAL UPDATE BPU | president’s letter

In order to accomplish its mission of ensuring safe,
reliable, affordable, and sustainable utilities, BPU works
closely with policymakers and other officials at the state
and federal levels to identify programs, resources, and
policies that benefit utility customers and improve the
overall quality of life in the community. Issues range ROSE MULVANY HENRY
from infrastructure funding to regulatory matters, supply President
chain concerns, climate change, renewable energy, water BPU Board of Directors
safety, and numerous others.
Old Water Main Replacement
Recently, Senator Jerry Moran (KS) announced a On behalf of the Board of Directors summer months.
As a public utility, BPU strives to be
federal investment of $10 million to help BPU replace and BPU employees, I am pleased to share a socially responsible partner in the
with you this BPU Connection newsletter
outdated water mains in older areas of Kansas City, KS.
In a press conference at BPU headquarters, the senior with helpful information about the utility, community, recognized for its on-going
member of the Senate Appropriations Committee its programs, and accomplishments at the philanthropic, environmental stewardship,
announced the funding in the form of an EPA STAG mid-point of 2023. The newsletter continues volunteerism, and community engagement
Grant, which will be utilized to replace 50+ year old the organization’s on-going commitment to efforts. This includes: BPU’s Summer Youth
galvanized water mains (1”-4”), helping improve water communications, engagement and outreach Program which has helped employ thousands
flow capacity and reducing the more than 500 leaks/ to our customers and the community. of youth throughout our community; the
breaks that occur annually in these older lines. Coupled BPU has been meeting the electric Annual Charity Golf Tournament which has
with BPU’s on-going capital improvement plan this and water needs of Wyandotte County for raised nearly $730,000 to date; and the BPU
one-time injection more than a century, remaining committed Hardship and Utility Assistance Programs to
of federal funding to ensuring safe, reliable, and sustainable help those that might need a hand. Moreover,
will help expedite utilities – while working to improve the with 48% of all its energy now coming from
the utility’s on-going quality of life for the community and its renewable sources like wind, solar, and hydro
main replacement residents as well. power, BPU is one of the “greenest” public
efforts, reduce I’m pleased to share that BPU has once utilities in the nation – operating the first
public safety risks again exceeded all state and federal water municipal Community Solar Farm in the state
from potential low/ quality standards for safe drinking water as and reducing its overall coal consumption by
no water pressure, outlined in the 2023 Water Quality Report. 62% from 2007-2020.
and act as a catalyst The utility continues to invest in its aging As always, BPU and its employees
for new housing/ water infrastructure, which includes 1,000+ who all live, work, and play here in our
economic growth miles of water lines, three pump stations, community appreciate the opportunity
and improved health outcomes. and several reservoirs/tanks – ensuring to serve you and remain committed to
safe, dependable water service to every providing the best service possible. And
Emergency Electric Back-Up part of BPU’s 150 square mile service area. remember, for the latest information about
Generator Conservation of this natural resource is BPU, including account details, outage
Rep. Sharice Davids (KS) also helped secure $3.7 also important, so always consider ways maps, or to watch Board Meetings which
million in federal funding for the purchase of a new to reduce your water consumption which are now livestreamed, go to www.BPU.com
emergency back-up generator at BPU’s Nearman Water in turn may lower costs as we enter the or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Treatment Plant (NWTP). The generator will ensure the
continuity of water service operations in the utility’s THE BENEFITS OF A PUBLIC UTILITY
primary water treatment facility in the event of electric
service disruption, be it natural disaster, accident, or
intentional act. If NWTP were to go off-line, it could pose RELIABILITY COMMUNITY OWNERSHIP
a significant health risk to the community and cause BPU staff can respond quickly to Municipal utilities are customer-owned
severe economic disruption. The funds were secured community needs and emergencies and operated and measured by how much
with Rep. Davids’ assistance from the Federal Emergency because they all live right here in money stays in the community, not profits
Management Agency (FEMA), and will help meet critical the community. It is a recipient of for private stockholders.
infrastructure, resiliency, and security requirements. numerous recognitions and awards
A special thanks for Safety and Reliability, Social
to Sen. Moran and Responsibility and Environmental COMMUNITY INVESTMENT
Rep. Davids, as Stewardship, and Fiscal Transparency. Municipal utilities like BPU contribute far
well as all local, more to the community monetarily than
state, and federal simply providing electric and water service.
officials who work LOCAL CONTROL From its Charity Golf tournament to its
every day to help Business decisions are made by local Summer Youth Program, to the $10 million in
better this not- BPU management and staff, while value-added services it provides the UG by
for-profit public policy matters are made by six locally maintaining 19,000 streetlights, 2,500 traffic
utility, as well as elected Board members. All Board signals, 6,200 fire hydrants, the county’s
the community in meetings and hearings are open to first-responder radio system and more – the
which we live. the public, either in person or online, public nature of BPU has paid dividends to
and the public can also address the
2 | SUMMER 2023 Board if they wish. our community again and again.