Best defense?

Dear Editor,

A Sept. 14 news item was titled State Policies Muddy Water Regulation.

I tend to agree with the headline but found much to disagree with in the article.

Dean Edson, who has the title of Executive Director of Nebraska Association of Resource Districts was quoted as saying the local NRDs have significant legal authority. The article continues on saying in contrast to Nebraska's local level system other states water laws are controlled at state level.

I expect this local control was news to the People of the Middle Republican who saw the Nebraska State Department of Natural Resources drain our area reservoirs to pay a state debt of water owed to Kansas. Effectively turning our surface water users into Dry Land Farmers, Reducing the amount of water available to our Ground water users, and further damaging our local economy tied to the recreation afforded by area reservoirs. When asked why, the Nebraska DNR would only mumble about Compact Compliance.

When it was pointed out that Compact Compliance was a State Issue and that they were unfairly targeting the only District in Compliance , we got no response.

Which asks why they are claiming local control now. Perhaps it is because of a Scathing 4 page Letter from The US Department of Interior to Nebraska DNR Director Dunnigan pointing out that the States actions were clearly unfair to Nebraska Citizens , and had Violated State and Federal Laws.

It occurs to me that in the face of Threatened Litigation, Mr Dunnigan and others may be trying to set the stage for the Not My Fault Defense.

A copy of the Department of Interior letter is attached. (Click here).

While I am on the Board of Directors for Middle Republican Natural Resource District this is a personal Opinion only.

Thank You

Bill Hoyt,

McCook, Nebraska