Senator seeks water funding for refuge

U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall requested a four point two million dollar earmark to finance improvements increasing water flow into the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in rural Kansas.

His ranch borders the refuge

Marshall did not mention that his Rattlesnake Ranch, which borders the preserve, stood to benefit from the project that would increase water flow to the area.

Water shortage threatens wildlife

For decades, hunters flocked to Quivira for hundreds of thousands of waterfowl each fall. Agricultural expansion taxed the water supply, diminishing flow into the refuge.

Marshall's earmark sought balance

Marshall's 2024 efforts sought to balance the needs of the refuge and farmers. But experts said the project could boost his property's value and posed a conflict of interest.

This contradicts his earmark stance

Marshall has voted four times to eliminate earmarks, calling such appropriations a waste of taxpayer money and not American. His 2024 earmark request contradicted this long-held position.

“not American”

Funding was approved despite setback

Though Marshall's request was added to a bill that did not ultimately become law, the funding was approved last year through spending legislation he supported.

Water will flow near his property

Under the federal plan, water will be pumped from a separate watershed through a pipeline into Rattlesnake Creek, which is next to Marshall's property, then into the refuge.

Experts say project boosts his land

Burke Griggs, a law professor at Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, said the project will increase Marshall's property value by establishing a steadier water supply for waterfowl hunting.

“That will increase the value of the land”

Watchdog group calls it a conflict

Craig Holman, a registered lobbyist for Public Citizen, said Marshall should have recused himself from any legislative effort providing direct financial benefit to himself.

“should not be involved in any legislative effort that provides a direct or substantial financial benefit to himself”

Marshall's office denies benefit claim

Marshall's spokeswoman Payton Fuller said all water goes to Quivira Wildlife Refuge and Rattlesnake Ranch would not benefit from it. The project will save farms and supply water in drought years.

“All the water for this project would go into Quivira Wildlife Refuge. Rattlesnake Ranch would not benefit from it.”

Marshall owns stake in the ranch

Marshall owns a twenty percent stake in Rattlesnake Ranch and serves as a company director.The ranch is registered as a business in Kansas and listed as a commercial property with a building available for rent.