Welcome and thank you all for being here today to help us officially open this exciting addition to Wichita.

I am sure most of you already know about the population explosion that happened right here in northwest Wichita. The City of Wichita really took notice of it beginning in 1997. It was then that it was made abundantly clear that the current sanitary sewer collection system was inadequate to accommodate the explosive growth that was occurring. Something needed to be done.

At that time, we heard the voice of many concerned citizens...the last thing that the current residents wanted was a wastewater treatment plant in their back yard. The general belief was that a new facility would be ugly, smell bad and detract from property values of the folks who were already investing in this area of the city. The City of Wichita met with many of the residents through neighborhood associations and informational fairs. We took all that input that we received and applied it to what you see here today.

After much research, this site was selected as the location for the Cowskin Creek Water Quality Reclamation Facility. Historical photographs and soil samplings indicated that this was formerly a wetland. There were already many beautiful trees and greenery in the area. The Water & Sewer Department assured the citizens that this facility would be non-intrusive to the environment and even blend well. The fine folks of northwest Wichita trusted their city leaders to find the delicate balance between form and function.

I think we can all agree when we say that is exactly what happened. Today, we have this efficient sewage treatment site but also a clean water holding pond. Together, it took only 25 acres of the land allocated for this project. The remaining acreage is being used to reestablish the native prairie and the wooded Cowskin Creek corridor. It also includes 38 acres of constructed wetlands, 12 acres of public sport fishing and 12 acres of active public use areas for picnicking, hiking, biking or jogging on the recreational paths.

The City of Wichita recognizes its responsibility to be a good steward of the natural resources its citizens use and as a community we accept our obligation to preserve and protect those natural resources. Just yesterday we opened the WATER Center, the City’s award-winning site that will clean up groundwater pollution in the heart of our city. Today, we are unveiling yet another example of this commitment to the environment right here. Cowskin is an award-winning national model for state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plants…a facility that not only protects the environment...but also offers citizens educational and recreational opportunities.

Now I’d like to introduce someone who has been integral in making this facility possible. That is Councilmember Bob Martz. Bob...

Thank you, Bob.

And now we are very excited to have Dr. Ron Hammerschmidt, Assistant Secretary of KDHE with us. KDHE offered their guidance and assistance in working with the environment.

Thank you, Ron.

Now it is time to officially open this fine facility!

Thank you all for coming. Now I would like David Warren, Director of Water & Sewer to step up and take it from here, I understand there will be tours by your staff and refreshments...