Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
SPNRD - The Subdistrict 4 director vacancy and the proposed amendments to the Districtwide Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations were main topics at the South Platte Natural Resources District Board of Directors (Board) meeting on May 14, 2024.
The Board filled the vacancy left by former Director Marc Sprenger who relocated outside of Subdistrict 4 boundaries. Following an interview, written ballots, and voting, the board appointed David Kucera.
Kucera is Regional Manager for Settje Agri Services and Engineering, Inc., and co-owner of TOP Concrete LLC. While serving as regional manager for nearly seven years, he has also developed a working relationship with the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. "Conservation is critical for all resources so future generations can enjoy them as well," stated Kucera. "I understand the value of ground water, trees, shelterbelts, and soil health." Personally, he has participated in several SPNRD programs and, in high school, attended both Envirothon and Range Camp.
His appointment begins immediately and ends January 9, 2025. Kucera may file for re-election on the general election ballot for the SPNRD Board of Directors Subdistrict 4 for the remainder of the unexpired term, 2025-2026. Subdistrict 4 boundaries include southwest Cheyenne County and western portions of the City of Sidney.
The public hearing on the amendments to the Districtwide Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations was held Monday, May 13, 2024, at 5:00 p.m., at the SPNRD Office in Sidney.
"There were county wide advisory meetings held in Sidney, Chappell, and Kimball to discuss the proposed changes. The proposed changes were also discussed at the February, March, and April 2024 SPNRD Board Meetings," stated Vice-Chair Chris Meyer. "The purpose of the hearing was to provide an opportunity for the public to present testimony or other relevant evidence."
Official testimony supporting the final draft amendments was received from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. After considering all testimony and evidence, the District approved and adopted the Amended and Restated Districtwide Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations. The effective date is June 14, 2024.
One of the foremost concerns is allocations which commence in 2025 for all subareas. The hydrologic characteristics of each subarea were considered in arriving at the amounts. The map shows the allocations for 2025 through 2027. The Board sets allocations approximately one (1) year in advance of each new Allocation Period.
Carryforward of up to ten (10) Acre-Inches is allowed following the three (3) year Allocation Period in Subareas A, B, C, D, E, and F. The cap on the amount of Carryforward that may be accumulated over multiple Allocation Periods and used in subsequent Allocation Periods is ten (10) Acre-Inches.
For the full text of the amended and restated Districtwide Ground Water Management Area Rules and Regulations visit http://www.spnrd.org or stop by the District office.
SPNRD Board of Directors meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at the District office located at 551 Parkland Drive in Sidney. The Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes are available at the office or visit http://www.spnrd.org.
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