Nemaha NRD Board Meeting Report

Tecumseh - A short agenda was tackled by the Nemaha Natural Resources District board of directors Thursday night, July 9. During their regular monthly meeting the board examined a proposed budget for the new fiscal year, which began July 1. With many preliminary figures still involved and final revenue figures not expected until after mid-August, the main focus was on plans for larger projects in the upcoming year. Major projects for FY2016 include the Duck Creek dam construction and associated road work near Peru, Steamboat Trace surface/drainage improvements, and rehabilitation at Upper Big Nemaha 25-C near Adams. Next month the board will take a final look at its revenues and expenditures prior to forwarding a proposed budget for public comment in September.

As part of the annual budget process, the board was asked to consider upping the restricted fund allowance by an additional one percent. This action would not result in more property taxes collected but does ensure the opportunity for future use of the funds. A 75 percent positive vote was required, and the board approved the increase unanimously.

In other action, the board approved an agreement with Herr Farms, Inc., to irrigate from a reservoir identified as Long Branch 73 north of Humboldt. The ten-year agreement will allow them to use up to 49.1 acre feet of water to irrigate 45 acres, and a meter is required to measure the water use. A second owner involved with the reservoir transferred their right to irrigate to Herr Farms.

A request from Jay Gerdes to transfer irrigation water from the SW¼ to the NW¼ of Section 28-4-14 in Nemaha County was approved. He discovered after constructing the wells earlier this year that more water was available than anticipated, and the land involved is contiguous to the original property. All current rules and regulations set by the NRD for transfers were met by the permit. 

Two new well permits were reviewed and approved by the Board. The permits were for Dave Bohling for two wells in Nemaha County to be comingled for a rate of 600 gallons per minute. Should one of the two wells prove sufficient, however, the second may not be drilled. Both scored above the 201 points required for approval. 
No action was taken on FY2016 small dams or a potential agreement to accept a charitable donation of property along the Steamboat Trace. These topics will likely show up on the August agenda for more action and/or discussion. 
The next regular meeting of the Nemaha Natural Resources District board of directors will be Thursday, August 13, beginning at 8:00 p.m. Committees will meet prior to the regular meeting.

PRESS RELEASE

Nemaha Natural Resources District
62161 Hwy 136 Tecumseh, NE 68450 (402) 335-3325 Fax: (402) 335-3265
Email:TUnnrd [at] nemahanrd.org;H Web site: nemahanrd.org

For Immediate Release

Date: July 13, 2015
Contact: Jane Kuhl, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (402) 335-3325
Fax: (402) 335-3265