Lower Platte counties push for state funding; Douglas County official to testify for LB 807

Douglas County’s noxious weed control superintendent told the county board Jan. 27 that the Lower Platte Weed Management Area — an 11-county interlocal partnership — faces funding shortfalls after state reductions and needs a sustainable revenue source.

Mike Reed described the interlocal agreement and said the Lower Platte effort helps reduce flood risk, protect habitat and support recreation along the Platte River and its tributaries. He said landowners share 50% of project costs under the partnership and that three Natural Resources Districts (NRDs) have doubled their funding in recent years after state funding cuts.

"We're gonna move forward with some new legislation," Reed said, identifying LB 807 as a proposed funding source that would leverage the Water Resources Cash Fund administered by the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment to support riparian grant projects. "I am going down and testifying in support of LB 807," he said, adding that it was unclear whether the fund balance would cover all anticipated projects and that he would provide more details on the cash fund balance on request.

Commissioners asked technical questions about island removal, whether trees anchor sandbars, and whether NRDs could raise taxes to cover projects. Reed said island vegetation is often sprayed and then mechanically removed in grinding projects so channels can scour naturally, and he noted uncertainty about long-term funding sustainability.

During public comment, Luis Hernandez recommended more urban outreach and posted information on the county website about winter or January treatments and how property owners can manage weeds to protect infrastructure.

The board subsequently approved the Noxious Weed Control Authority's 2025–26 annual reports for submission to the Nebraska Department of Agriculture (motion by Commissioner Fahey; second by Commissioner Morgan); the vote was 7-0.