Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Conservation Easement topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Sioux County approves two conservation easements; NPNRD cites $900,000 grant to retire wells
Summary
The board approved two conservation-easement agreements in 2017: a May agreement with the North Platte Natural Resources District tied to a $900,000 grant to retire groundwater wells, and a November easement presented by The Nebraska Land Trust. County officials expressed concern about potential tax-base loss.
Sioux County commissioners approved two conservation-easement agreements in separate 2017 meetings that restrict irrigation rights on specific parcels and are intended, in part, to return groundwater to the river.
On May 1 the board heard from Barbara Cross and Tracy Zayak of the North Platte Natural Resources District (NPNRD), who described an Agreement for Sale and Purchase of a conservation easement with landowner Matthew Tighe. The NPNRD told the board it had received a $900,000 grant to retire groundwater wells; the district described its typical cost-sharing as 60 percent grant funds and 40 percent NRD funds for well-retirement work. County Attorney Edmund raised concerns that restricting irrigation could reduce the county's property tax base. The board approved the agreement after acknowledging the Sioux County Planning Commission's prior recommendation.
On Nov. 1 the board also approved an easement presented by The Nebraska Land Trust, with Dave Sands and Wade Anderson representing the trust and the landowners Curtis A. and Edna I. Anderson. That agreement covers parts of Sections 10, 11 and 15, Township 32, Range 53 and had been recommended previously by the county planning commission.
Commissioners voted unanimously on both easements. Minutes show the board considered local tax impacts and noted that the planning commission had recommended approval in both cases. The minutes record no public opposition to either agreement at the county meetings.
