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A total of $3.5 million has been secured to support Wichita residents affected by groundwater contamination, especially those in the 29th and Grove area. The funding comes from the State of Kansas, City of Wichita, Sedgwick County, businesses, and philanthropies. It will be used to provide health screenings through local healthcare providers, with distribution managed by the Kansas Health Foundation (KHF) through a grant program launching this summer.

The contamination, caused by a chemical spill discovered in 2022, involves a known carcinogen. Health officials recommend screenings for those potentially exposed. The funding effort began with $1.5 million from the state, followed by an additional $1 million from the state once a local $1 million match was secured. KHF praised the collaboration between state and local leaders for prioritizing the needs of impacted communities.