(GRAND ISLAND, NE)- The Central Platte Natural Resources District’s board of directors adopted an amended 2018 fiscal year budget in the amount of $22.5 million on Thursday. The property tax request is down $467,542.73, compared to last year’s budget, and the projected levy is also expected to be down.  A levy hearing will be held at 12:50 p.m. just prior to the August 31st board of directors meeting.  Property taxes received by the CPNRD provide funding towards flood control, nitrate management, soil health, cost share to producers, recreation, education, and other natural resources benefits.   

OTHER ACTION/AGENDA ITEMS

-Rules & Regulations Public Hearing- Groundwater management regulations may be easier to follow if proposed changes to the Groundwater Management Rules and Regulations are approved next month. The proposed changes would combine and update the rules and regulations for all the District’s groundwater management programs into one document including the Fully and Over Appropriated, Water Quality, Water Quantity and Chemigation programs.  Cease and desist enforcement procedures, removal of the 2 in 10 irrigation rule, and removal of the sections referencing wells and irrigation run-off procedures are other proposed changes.

The proposed changes are published on the CPNRD website at: www.cpnrd.org. A public hearing is scheduled at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at the CPNRD’s office located at 215 Kaufman Avenue in Grand Island, NE.

-Chemigation Violation The board approved issuing a Cease & Desist Order to Jim Aden of Gothenburg. Aden is in violation of chemigating without a permit.

-Legal Action A motion was approved to have the District’s attorney proceed with enforcement against Kelly Smith of Custer County.

-Variance Request The board denied a variance request in Buffalo/Hall counties.

-Natural Resources Conservation Service  Janelle Taubenheim, Resources Conservationist, and Jason Schultz, summer intern, reported on NRCS’s Career Pathways Program. They reported that students are required to complete 640 hours through the Pathways Program prior to full-time placement.  Students are also required to take specific college courses depending on career option during their internship.

-Cost Share The board approved 23 cost share payments through the Nebraska Soil & Water Conservation Program and the CPNRD Cost Share Programs for pasture planting, brush management, windbreak planned grazing, underground pipeline, grassland conservation, cover crops, and center pivot incentive in the amount of $215,569.18.

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Marcia Lee

Information/Education Specialist

Central Platte Natural Resources District

215 Kaufman Avenue  Grand Island NE 68803

(308) 385-6282   www.cpnrd.org