Republican River repayments would be diverted to fund future water projects

Money loaned to natural resource districts (NRD) along the Republican River in 2008 would be dedicated to funding future water projects under a bill advanced from general file Feb. 29.

LB950, introduced by Imperial Sen. Mark Christensen, would direct all future loan payments to be deposited into the Water Resources Cash Fund, where they would be granted for future water projects. The funds currently are directed to the Water Contingency Cash Fund.

Christensen said he introduced the bill to make sure the money would go to further the state’s water management priorities.

“Wisely managing and protecting Nebraska’s natural resources should be our top priority,” he said.

Holdrege Sen. Tom Carlson spoke in support of the bill, saying dedicating funds for water management is crucial to the state’s economic development.

“Agriculture is our number one industry and water is the lifeblood of that industry,” Carlson said. “We need to ensure that water will be around for years to come.”

A Natural Resources Committee amendment that added an emergency clause to the bill was adopted 30-0.

Senators voted to advance the bill to select file on a 29-0 vote.