Water appropriation stream flow bill advances

Water currently used for generating hydropower could instead be used to maintain stream flow for fish, wildlife and recreation under a proposal advanced from general file March 22.

LB1038, as introduced by Sen. Al Davis of Hyannis, originally dealt with the transfer of water rights.

A Natural Resources Committee amendment, adopted 37-1, replaced the bill. It would allow a water appropriation used to generate hydropower at a facility on a natural stream to be changed to an instream basin management appropriation to be held jointly by the state Game and Parks Commission and at least one natural resources district.

As amended, the bill incorporated provisions from LB711, introduced by Sen. Dan Hughes of Venango. The provisions would reestablish a task force with the goal of eradicating invasive plant species that reduce stream flows. The task force would receive $1 million per year beginning in fiscal year 2016-17.

An amendment introduced by Bellevue Sen. Tommy Garrett, adopted 38-0, would require the state Department of Roads to provide permits to trim vegetation that obscures lawfully placed advertising signs or displays.

Senators voted 41-0 to advance the bill to select file.