From left, Osage Nation Secretary of Natural Resources Jann Hayman, Osage Nation Environmental Project Specialist II Tom Ashmore, Osage Nation Special Counsel David Mullon, Osage Nation Attorney General Clint Patterson, Oklahoma Sen. Julie Daniels, Mayor Dale Copeland, City Manager Mike Bailey, Water Utilities Director Terry Lauritsen, Oklahoma Rep. Judd Strom, Chief Executive Advisor to the Principal Chief Sheryl Decker and Osage Principal Chief Geoffrey M. Standing Bear met last week to discuss possible water resource options for the extended area.
Several members of the Osage Nation, State representatives and City officials and staff met last week to begin discussions regarding possible opportunities to partner on projects that could help the extended region meet ongoing and future water needs.
Topics of discussion included the feasibility of purchasing water rights from Kaw Lake and exploring ground-water options in Osage County.
“We had a very good discussion concerning options that could benefit both the City of Bartlesville and its water customers as well as our Osage neighbors,” said City Manager Mike Bailey. “I am hopeful that these discussions will continue to make progress in finding solutions that benefit us all.”
The talks are preliminary and no decisions have been made. Any actions to pursue options for securing additional resources for water supply would first be taken to the Water Resources Committee and would face approval by the City Council.
“This is a preliminary step toward what will hopefully lead to finding solutions to our ongoing water concerns due to drought in Southeast Kansas, where the watersheds are for both Hulah and Copan Lake are located,” Bailey said.
For more information about the drought and the City’s current status, see www.cityofbartlesville.org. For an in-depth look at the water issue, see Water 101.