Kan. Stat. § 24-1201a
It is recognized that serious problems of water management resulting from erosion, floodwater or sediment damages or instability of natural water supplies are arising in the watersheds of the rivers and streams of the state of Kansas; that for the purpose of alleviating such damages and furthering the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water and thereby preserving and protecting the state's land and water resources, it is legislatively determined that it is necessary and advisable to establish watershed districts with the power to construct, operate and maintain works of improvement needed to carry out such purposes; that there is hereby declared the public necessity for the creation of such districts in watersheds including lands that are subject to erosion, floodwater or sediment damages or that would be benefited by the construction of works of improvement for the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water; and that it is further declared that the formation of such districts will inure to the general benefit of all of the taxable, tangible property included therein.
K.S.A. 24-1201a