The State Finance Council convened on June 6, 2025, to discuss key financial matters, with a significant focus on the Kansas Environmental Information Management System (KEIMS) during the meeting. The council welcomed Kate Gleeson, Deputy Director of Environment at the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), who provided an overview of the KEIMS software program and its current funding request.

Gleeson explained that KEIMS, developed by Windsor System Solutions, is crucial for managing environmental data related to water, air, and waste programs. The system was designed to digitize over 30 years of agency records, transitioning from paper files to a more efficient electronic format. This modernization allows for improved permitting, reporting, and public access to regulatory information.

The council reviewed Senate Bill 125, which authorized $425,000 for enhancements to KEIMS. Gleeson detailed two primary funding allocations: one for integrating KEIMS with Perceptive Content, KDHE's long-term historian software, and another for improving its interface with the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) system, known as ECHO. These enhancements aim to streamline operations for both KDHE and the regulated community.

Gleeson also addressed ongoing issues with KEIMS, including various software bugs that have affected usability. She noted that the department is actively working to resolve these issues through a prioritization process, focusing on the most impactful fixes first. Additionally, KDHE has established a working group that includes industry representatives to facilitate better communication and address concerns related to the storage tank program, which regulates petroleum storage facilities.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain open lines of communication with stakeholders and to continue addressing the software challenges to ensure the effective operation of KEIMS. The council's approval of the funding request is expected to enhance the functionality of the system, ultimately benefiting environmental management efforts in Kansas.