Split NRD board OKs water allocation

Although three of the 12 board members voted against it, the Middle Republican Natural Resources District approved groundwater rules and regulations that included pumping allocations set at 12 inches each year or 60 inches over five years.

Those voting against the measure were Joe Anderjaska, Gayle Haag and Rick Spencer. Those voting in favor were Kevin Fornoff, Josh Friesen, Benjie Loomis, Stan Moore, Jerry Mustion, Dan Nelsen, Brad Randel and Marty Schurr.

Anderjaska asked that the board postpone voting on the rules, so irrigators would have ample time to respond to it.

The revised rules and regulations have been tabled at prior board meetings and were discussed at a public hearing in August.

Other board members disagreed with this. Marty Shurr said that to delay the issue would only hurt the irrigators and Dan Smith, MRNRD general manager, added that several farmers looking at land sales have called his office to see if the allocations were set.

Board member Stan Moore said irrigators have told him to "quit waiting and get something done."

Anderjaska was still reluctant to adopt the rules and regulations.

"It will be pretty tough to tell someone we'll up your taxes when there's a very real possibility you'll have 8-9 inches of water," he said, referring to the occupation tax authorized by LB701.

He also stated that he would like to see some kind of allocation for irrigators in the Platte sub-area.

Those north of the Platte River Basin, in the Farnam area, are still in the Middle Republican district but are not subject to groundwater rules and regulations.

After the meeting, Haag said he voted against the rules as he didn't agree with provisions concerning depletion allowances. Rick Spencer declined to comment why he voted against the measure.

In other action, the board voted unanimously to set a public hearing for the Integrated Management Plan, at the regular board meeting in January.

The plan, drafted by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and NRDs, ensures that the state will remain in compliance with the Republican River Compact and also to protect ground water users.