Moran Meets with Kansas and Nebraska Officials to Discuss Water Issues along the Republican River

Evaluates Settlement Agreement and Discusses Conservation Measures

CONCORDIA - Congressman Jerry Moran yesterday met with Representative Tom Osborne (R-NE), Kansas Attorney General Phil Kline and Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning in Concordia to discuss Republican River water issues. The meeting was held to make certain Nebraska is complying with the settlement agreement that was finalized in 2003.

"Kansas and Nebraska have come a long way in dealing with Republican River water issues," Moran said. "Representative Osborne and Attorney General Bruning confirmed that Nebraska producers are making a good faith effort in complying with the settlement agreement. We are now looking ahead at ways we can support initiatives, conservation policies and partnerships to further reduce the amount of water used in Nebraska so that more water flows downstream toward Kansas."

The officials discussed what can be done on the federal level through conservation programs to reduce water usage, enhance water flow and support the more efficient use of resources along the Republican River basin.

Moran and Osborne will be introducing legislation to authorize a federal study to take a comprehensive look at water supply, storage and water management efficiency in the Lower Republican River basin between Harlan County Lake in Nebraska and Milford Lake in Kansas. Moran and Osborne previously worked together to pass legislation in December to assist farmers in the Bostwick irrigation district by extending payment schedules.

"I am glad to join Congressman Osborne in looking at ways we can provide conservation measures at the federal level to help ensure compliance in Nebraska and also make sure Kansas benefits," Moran said.

Moran is a senior member of the House Agriculture Committee. 

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