Sen. Moran Announces $2 Million Federal Investment for Kansas Forest Service

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee - today announced a $2 million federal investment for the Kansas Forest Service to strengthen the efforts of local firefighters and support implementation of the Kansas Forest Service Action Plan. He was joined for the announcement at the Riley County EMS Headquarters in Manhattan by representatives from state and local fire and emergency management agencies. Sen. Moran secured the funding in the FY2026 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill, which was signed into law on January 23.

"Kansans know firsthand the devastation that natural disasters and wildfires can cause, and we have seen that devastation across our state this year," said Sen. Moran. "When disaster strikes, our first responders are there to help their neighbors and protect their communities. We have a responsibility to make sure they have the equipment and resources they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. As a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I worked to secure this funding so the Kansas Forest Service has the resources necessary to respond to wildfires and help protect Kansans when they need it most."

Specifically, the federal resources will be used to purchase new fire management equipment, including trucks, hand tools, machinery and personal protective equipment (PPE). The investment will also support priorities outlined in the Kansas Forest Action Plan.

Items to note:

• This spring, Sen. Moran visited several Kansas communities affected by wildfires, where he surveyed the damage and met with local firefighters who worked to combat the fire.
• Sen. Moran introduced legislation, the CRP Flexibility and Improvement Act, that would help prevent and reduce the impact of wildfires by expanding access to grazing on CRP land. The legislation is included in the Senate Farm Bill.

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