TOPEKA, Kan. - Kansas has launched a cost-sharing program to help farmers and ranchers increase water supplies for livestock as the state remains in severe drought. The State Conservation Commission voted this week to spend $500,000 from existing funds for water projects, mainly in pastures that have little or no water supplies.
     The state will provide up to $2,000 per project and up to $4,000 to each landowner. The Kansas Department of Agriculture is asking applicants to focus on restoring existing ponds, developing wells and springs or completing water storage projects. Officials say applications should be submitted through county conservation districts. The department's Division of Conservation will review the applications.