NRD narrowly approves water short plan

CURTIS, Nebraska -- The Middle Republican Natural Resources District board of directors split the vote 6-5 narrowly approving "option 3" of a new integrated management plan during its monthly meeting at Curtis, Monday evening.

The IMP, developed by the state with the assistance of the board, had strong support both for and against.

Board members against the measure raised concerns that it would drastically diminish recreational activities in water short years by curtailing surface waters in Red Willow and Hitchcock counties. "It will not allow dams or area reservoirs to store water during those years," said board member James Uerling. "I voted against it for several reasons," said Uerling, "but primarily because I don't think its right to allow one irrigator to pump while his neighbor cannot. The IMP disallows irrigation wells that are near the rivers and streams of southwest Nebraska to pump water in water short years."

Board member Josh Friesen supported the option "To allow us to be in control of the situation as opposed to the State. If we didn't adapt a new IMP with the state we wouldn't be allowed to use the Occupation Tax, which can be used to compensate irrigators in the event of a shutdown, for irrigation retirement programs and water leases among other things." Friesen said "This will help provide management tools that will hopefully be enough to avoid taking actions that are bad on the economy."

Board members vote at a glance;

For

Joe Anderjaska of Hayes Center

Kevin Fornoff of Hayes Center

Josh Friesen of Wallace

Benjie Loomis of Maywood

Dan Nelsen of Moorfield

Marty Schurr of Maywood

Against

Buck Haag of Bartley

Rick McConville of Indianola

Brad Randel of Indianola

Rick Spencer of Culbertson

James Uerling of Indianola