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| Nemaha NRD May
2010 Board Meeting Report Tecumseh – Nemaha Natural Resources District Directors took another step toward a construction start on the Buck Creek Watershed structure west of Peru in Nemaha County. The board approved a Statement of Assurance to the Natural Resources Conservation Service certifying that all needed land rights have been acquired for this project. Hopefully within the next 4-6 weeks the Corps of Engineers 404 permit will also be secured so the District can proceed with bidding the project for construction. This dam will provide much needed flood control in the Peru area. Buck Creek’s companion project that will be built to the northeast on Duck Creek is also underway, with the District preparing for land rights acquisition. Duck Creek’s site will include public recreation. Dana Divine, project coordinator for the Eastern Nebraska Water Resources Assessment (ENWRA), was on hand to review the progress of this project. Developed in 2006 and funded by a grant along with contributions from each of six cooperating NRDs, including the Nemaha, the project’s goal is to develop a geologic framework and water budget for the previously glaciated portion of eastern Nebraska. With the present agreement set to expire in 2011, next month the board will consider a five-year extension, which will allow the group to apply for more grants that may extend beyond the present agreement’s 2011 expiration. More information about ENWRA is available at their website: www.enwra.org. Five proposals to conduct the annual audit of the District’s financial records had been received of which three were selected for interviews. At the recommendation of the board’s Executive Committee, the board voted to award a three-year contract for the auditing services to Schulz & Associates from Beatrice at an estimated annual cost of $6,600. The Executive Committee also presented a resolution authorizing NRD clerks who are stationed at Natural Resources Conservation Service offices to sign conservation plans for the NRD. This action affirms in writing any previous authorization given to these employees to sign plans on the District’s behalf. Other items on the board agenda for discussion, but which resulted in no action, included a first look at some proposed items for the fiscal year 2011 budget. A possible agreement with the Five Rivers RC&D to provide staffing assistance was reviewed and may be presented at next month’s meeting. Programs & Projects Committee members heard about a drainage project for the Village of Firth and possible NRD involvement. The Operations and Education Committee considered additional recreation enhancements at Iron Horse Trail Lake but are awaiting estimates prior to making recommendations. The next meeting of the Nemaha Natural Resources District Board of Directors will be held Thursday, June 10, 2010, beginning at 8:00 p.m. at the NRD headquarters in Tecumseh. Committees will meet prior to the regular meeting. |