There are a lot of ideas regarding how to solve the water problems. It seems like everyone you talk to has an idea of what shouldn’t be done. There are more ideas on what not to do than ideas on how to solve the problem. The way I look at it, there are 3 options that are formed well enough they can be implemented in the timeframe we have.
One is LB 701 that I am proposing. The second is a plan by the DNR that would spend about $12-15 million to shut off a lot of surface irrigation and alluvial wells (those wells close to the stream). That money would come from the State for the first year, as I understand, and from the people in the form of taxes after that. The third option is that we fail to do any of these things; in which case, the Federal Judge will step in and take over.
I don’t like the third option. And, I don’t like the idea of raising money to pay people to shut down their operations. Costs are acceptable if money is used to build our economy and make communities stronger. When money is used to weaken our communities, I have a problem with that. I don’t know how it is all going to turn out. A decision will be made on water policy very soon. Thank you to all of you who have given ideas and thoughts on the issue. Whatever happens, I hope that it will be for the good of the entire District. My vision is to make the District stronger and put the power into the hands of the people, and it can be done. That’s what I’m fighting for with LB 701.
Senator Mark Christensen
