Commission Votes to Enter Memorandum of Understanding

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission voted today to enter a memorandum of understanding to work with five Nebraska Natural Resource Districts and the Nebraska Public Power District to take steps towards transfer of assets, including NPPD’s water appropriations on the Niobrara River, Spencer Hydro dam, and the lands and easements associated with the dam.

The Commission voted to enter the memorandum of understanding during a special meeting at the Commission headquarters, 2200 N. 33rd St. in Lincoln, at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10.

The Commission and the NRDs will seek legislative authority to convert NPPD’s water rights to a multi-use water right, part of which will be conserved for recreation and fish and wildlife needs, and part of which will be conserved for integrated water management in the Niobrara River basin. NPPD will continue to operate the dam in the meantime.