Water task force created

Lawmakers passed a bill May 29 that creates a task force concerning the long-term sustainability of state water resources.

LB517, introduced by Holdrege Sen. Tom Carlson, creates a task force to work on the state’s water issues.

The Water Funding Task force will comprise the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission, the director of Natural Resources, the chairperson of the Natural Resources Committee and 10 additional members to be appointed by the governor.

The bill allocates $1 million for research, data collection and production of a final report, which the task force will submit to the Legislature by December 31. The report will identify water resources programs, projects and activities in need of funding to meet the long-term statewide goals of water sustainability, efficiency and productivity including:
• research, data and modeling needed to assist the state in meeting its water management goals;
• rehabilitation or restoration of existing and new water supply infrastructure;
• conjunctive management, storage and integrated management of ground and surface water; and
• compliance with interstate compacts or agreements.

The bill passed on a 45-0 vote.