TOPEKA — The prospects for Lehigh Portland State Park grew brighter Thursday morning when the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved House Bill 2331, by a vote of 101 to 21.
The legislation now moves to the Kansas Senate for consideration.
The lopsided vote “makes a statement,” said Lisse Regehr, CEO of Thrive Allen County, and instrumental in working with Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks officials in developing plans for a state park on the site of the old Lehigh quarry and its surrounding trails.
Regehr credited the efforts of local fans as well as those in far reaches of the state in promoting and educating others about the potential development.
“There was a cadre of people advocating for this because they know how important this kind of amenity can be for a rural community,” she said. “Those grassroots efforts really made a difference.”
A second hearing by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Monday afternoon also helped the effort, she said.
Information from environmental surveys removed any questions about the lake’s water quality and that of nearby streams as well as the surrounding soils.
Rep. Fred Gardner, R-Garnett, voted in favor of the measure.
