In June, my boss of 23 years, the chief engineer of the Division of Water Resource, retired rather suddenly when a great opportunity came his way (and being ready for a break from the responsibility to spend more time with his family) . The day he retired they asked me to be acting chief engineer while they did a national search for a permanent chief engineer.
I never aspired to be chief engineer as it is a very big job. But the months of serving as acting chief has changed my mind as a result of the many who encouraged me that I could do the job, thegreat support from our central office, and the DWR’s great staff. So I applied.
On November 19, 2007, it was announced that I had been selected to serve as Kansas 5th chief engineer (since the position was established in 1927). Below is a link to the press release.
http://www.ksda.gov/news/id/137
November 19, 2007
Ag secretary appoints David Barfield chief engineer
TOPEKA — Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Adrian Polansky today announced that he is appointing David Barfield chief engineer of the division of water resources.
“The depth and breadth of Mr. Barfield’s understanding of Kansas water issues make him the most logical choice to fill this important position,” Polansky said. “He has the experience and historical perspective needed to ensure continuity and the expertise to address new challenges so our state’s water resources are equitably managed for the benefit of all Kansans.”
Barfield started working for the division of water resources in 1984. He has worked in all areas of water resource management, including municipal and industrial water use, dam safety and interstate water compacts. He was exclusively involved in interstate water issues from 1992 to June 2007, when he was appointed acting chief engineer. He has a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and a Master of Science in water resources, both from the University of Kansas. He is a licensed professional engineer.
“I am honored by my appointment to this challenging position. I appreciate Secretary Polansky’s confidence in me, and I look forward to working with him and division of water resources staff to fulfill our statutory responsibilities,” Barfield said. “My immediate plan is to ensure we continue to provide current levels of service while building on the solid foundation left by my predecessor.”
Barfield was preceded by David Pope, who retired in June after 24 years of service as chief engineer.
“Mr. Barfield is a good selection from my standpoint,” Pope said. “I worked with him for many years, and I have full faith in his ability to carry out the duties of the position.”
The chief engineer is responsible for managing the state’s water supply in the public’s interest, for ensuring public safety related to the construction and maintenance of dams and representing Kansas’ interests in interstate water compacts. The division’s work is divided into four areas:
The water appropriation program manages the state’s water supplies through a system of permits, reviews and inspections. It issues water rights, maintains data about water use and administers water rights during times of shortage.
The water structures program inspects and regulates the safety of dams that could, if they failed, endanger lives and property. The program also monitors activities affecting the flow of rivers and streams, and their floodplains, to ensure these activities are properly planned, constructed, operated and maintained.
The water management services program administers the four interstate river compacts and the subbasin water resources management program, which develops plans in conjunction with local agencies and stakeholders to address resource issues in identified subbasins.
The state water plan program encompasses activities from other programs, including interstate water, and basin and floodplain management