Shutting off wells

Dear Editor,

How can the McCook and Curtis area economically stand shutting off of the Quick Response Wells?

This is a direct quote from the Lincoln paper, Sunday Aug. 22, 2010 "There were 162 growers in Nebraska, according to a census measurement in 2007. 50,000 acres of sugar beets planted this year, virtually all of it in genetically modified seed. Production is expected to be down 13 percent from a year ago. In 2000, the state planted 80,000 acres. 2008 crop was worth $42.8 million. Planting usually occurs in mid-April. Nebraska currently ranks sixth in production. Sugar beets are estimated to contribute more than $130 million to Nebraska economy through payrolls, property taxes and other impacts. Nebraska Agricultural Statistic Service"

If shutting off 50,000 acres cost $130 million what will be the cost to the river valley area around McCook and Curtis with the shutting down of irrigated acres due to the Middle Republican Natural Resources District board's adoption of the Integrated Management Plan? It could easily be at least or more than $100 million in relation to the acres and loss estimate by the Nebraska Agricultural Statistic Service.

The majority of the board members will not be impacted by their decision. The real concern is there is no provision for just compensation. The land owner might receive some compensation. A majority of the land to be idled is probably farmed by a tenant and there is no way they can stay in business without income and all expense for a year or more. The suppliers will lose a substantial portion of their customers. That will reduce the population of the area.

It will reduce property values, some dramatically. It will require a larger portion of property taxes from the ones remaining.

It also allows those that can continue to irrigate to continue to deplete the aquifer which will reduce stream flow and then require the shut down area to be enlarged.

The election of the board of directors is probably the most important votes the river areas will have this year. It is public record as how the board votes. It still will have to be determined if the board wants to change the IMP, if the state will let them alter the IMP.

Claude Cappel,

McCook