A proposal for the Lehigh Portland Trails and quarry lake to be developed into Kansas’ 28th state park was unanimously approved by the House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee on Monday afternoon.
Sixteen members are on the committee, including Rep. Fred Gardner, Republican from Garnett, who represents Allen County.
In an email sent Monday afternoon, Rep. Gardner said he brought the measure, HB 2331, before the committee “and recommended the committee pass it favorably. After discussion, the committee passed the bill. It is now in the control of the House leadership.”
The trails and lake complex would be designated Lehigh Portland State Park.
It is not known when the House will hold a vote on the measure, said Lisse Regehr, Thrive Allen County CEO. Regehr and John Leahy, Thrive’s director of trails, have been instrumental in working with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks in developing plans for the state park.
“Onward and upward!” she said Monday afternoon after learning of the committee’s approval.
