Kansas Success Stories
MAP’s know-how helps community create new utility
Where: Kipp, an unincorporated town in Saline County, Kansas
Problem: Failing backyard septic systems led to untreated sewage percolating into yards and ditches
Solution: MAP helped the residents of Kipp form a sewer district, apply for funding, organize and manage the project and then maintain the new utility once it was completed.
In 2000, Saline County health officials told residents of tiny Kipp, Kan., that they were living in an unhealthy environment due to failing septic systems in their backyards, which was exposing them to a severe health and safety hazard.
A MAP specialist helped these citizens form a county sewer district and secure funding from USDA Rural Development and Community Development Block Grants. Then the project stalled. The county was having difficulty completing the terms for financing, and employee turnover left the project without a manager.
Staff helped the new project manager identify, understand and complete the tasks needed to fulfill the terms for financing. MAP then taught county officials how to effectively manage construction of the project.
With the new wastewater system successfully completed, MAP staff turned to preparing and teaching county personnel to operate, manage and maintain its new utility. Staff developed customized reference materials for the utility, including an Owners Management Oversight Manual that spelled out:
- Procedures that must be completed by the operator;
- Operator job description
- Policies and governing rules;
- Budgeting and rate setting information; and
- Description of a fiscal management plan.
The manual was provided on CD so the county could change the content as needed. To ensure the safety of the utility, MAP staff also conducted a risk and vulnerability assessment of utility, which formed the basis for an emergency response plan.
For more information, contact:
Phone: 952-758-4334
Fax: 952-758-4336
E-mail: map@map-inc.org
MAP is a member of the RCAP network and an equal-opportunity lender, provider and employer.