Sedgwick County Commissioners have voted unanimously to extend a State of Local Disaster Emergency Declaration for the winter storms that brought snow and subzero temperatures to the area during the past week.
Commission chairman Pete Meitzner signed a proclamation on Wednesday, but it can only remain in effect for seven days without action by the full Commission. In a special meeting Friday, commissioners voted to keep the declaration in place indefinitely.
County Manager Tom Stolz told commissioners that the city of Cheney has raised concerns over skyrocketing prices of natural gas as a result of the winter storms. Commissioner David Dennis says he has sent letters to Kansas 4th District Congressman Ron Estes and Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall to ask for help. Dennis said the higher prices will put a severe hardship on local communities.
The declaration will allow the county to go after any federal funding, resources or programs that may be available. County Counselor Mike Pepoon told commissioners that 12 other counties in this region of the state have approved similar declarations of emergency. Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has issued a statewide emergency declaration.
