GRAND ISLAND, Nebraska – On Thursday, the Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) Board of Directors reviewed two additional alternatives to identify the best route for the Platte Valley Industrial Park (PVIP) drainage project. The Board approved the initial route that will direct flood water from the PVIP to the Platte River. The drainage ditch will run along Wildwood Drive to Locust Street and grade existing county road ditches between Blaine and Schimmer Drive.

OTHER AGENDA/ACTION ITEMS

Spring Creek Amendment 
In September, the Board made the decision to move forward with the Spring Creek portion of the Spring and Buffalo Creek Watershed Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Program (WFPO), dropping the Buffalo Creek portion of the plan. At the October Board meeting, a contract amendment with HDR Engineering was approved for $58,550 to complete payment for the contracted work.

Interlocal Agreement – Tree Program 
The Board approved an interlocal agreement with the Nebraska Association of Resources Districts (NARD) to purchase tree and shrub seedlings through the U.S. Forest Service. These seedlings will support the NRDs Conservation Tree Program for landowners to plant windbreaks, reforestation, woodlots and wildlife habitats.

Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program (NiRIA)  
The Board approved an agreement with the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources to reimburse the Central Platte NRD a grant for up to $76,491.79 for payments to producers that participate in the Nitrogen Reduction Incentive Program.

Auditor Report 
The Board approved the 2023/2024 audit as presented by Jake Klabenes, CPA and Audit Director at Core CPAs.

Long Range Implementation Plan 
The Board approved amendments to the 2024 Long Range Implementation Plan. The five-year plan provides a summary of the district's activities and is updated annually in accordance with the Nebraska Natural Resources District Act.

Natural Resources Conservation Service Report  
Janelle Taubenheim, Resource Conservationist, reported that the Kearney field office had 24 new EQIP contracts totaling $1,209,910.13; 8 RCPP contracts totaling $285,937; 7 CSP contracts totaling $431,782; and 5 CPR contracts. There are 75 applications going into FY2025. Joe Krolikowski, District Conservationist reported the next application deadline for funding consideration for most programs is November 15, 2024.

Nebraska Natural Resources Commission  
Mick Reynolds, Middle Platte Basin Representative, reported that the Commission will hold a caucus in January to fill the Middle Platte Basin Representative seat. Reynolds has served on the Commission since 2013 and will not refile for the seat.

Cost-Share  
11 applications totaling $71,750 were approved for the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation and Central Platte NRD cost-share programs for center pivot incentive, burn preparation, cover crops and well decommissioning.

Upcoming Board Meetings   
November 21, December 19, January 23