Author Archive for: KMEA

The Biden-Harris Administration opened applications today for a historic $1.3 billion funding opportunity for electric vehicle (EV) charging and alternative-fueling infrastructure in urban and rural communities and along designated highways, interstates, and major roadways. This is the largest single grant funding opportunity for EV charging in the nation’s history and it will accelerate public and private investment in clean transportation in the places where people live, work, and play.

After four decades of service to the energy industry, Neil retired on May 3rd.

Neil graduated with an Electrical Engineering degree from Oklahoma State University. His first job right out of college was in 1985 with the then Missouri Public Service as a load dispatcher. Subsequently, he held many titles, including transmission operator, technical services engineer, energy trader, day-ahead energy trader, and finally manager of wholesale operations. He began his employment with KMEA in 2007 to take the position of Director of Operations. Neil then took the position of Director of Transmission and Security, a title he held until retirement.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) is set to open the 2024 notice of funding opportunity for the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastrucute Safety and Moderniztion Grant.  This opportunity will be announced through the www.grants.gov website.  PHMSA held a webinar on May 6th to review changes and announce the details of the grant.  According to APGA the timeline to apply will be six weeks from the time of formal announcement.  Communities interested in the opportunity and would like to review the slides from the webinar are encouraged to visit the NGDISM website linked above.  If you should have any questions, please contact Kansas Municipal Gas Agency.

KMEA President Jon Quinday wins the Edgar P. Schowalter award at the annual Kansas Municipal Utilities Conference held in Wichita on April 25th.  The Schowalter Award is the highest award presented by KMU.  The award is given to recognize individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the municipal utility industry. The award is given annually to a manager, employee or policy maker from one of KMU’s member municipal utilities.  Jon continues to display great leadership throughout his community and organization that he dutifully serves.  Congratulations to Jon on this prestigious award.

TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly today announced that KMW, a precision manufacturer of agricultural front loaders, backhoes, and other attachments, will invest $105 million to construct a new North American headquarters and state-of-the-art production facility in Sterling. The venture will create 251 new jobs, resulting in a local workforce of 485.

“There’s no doubt – this investment will grow our economy and create more opportunities for Kansans,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our efforts to make Kansas one of the most pro-business states in the country is paying off for workers everywhere, including our rural communities.”

KMW selected Sterling in Rice County after a rigorous competition among Midwestern states. In addition to the headquarters, moving to the 151-acre site on the north side of Sterling will allow KMW to continue growing its manufacturing capabilities.