Board Meetings

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
2:00 P.M. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
CENTRAL PLATTE NRD OFFICE, 215 KAUFMAN AVENUE, GRAND ISLAND, NE

Central Platte NRD Board to Consider Vadose Zone Study

The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) Board of Directors will consider entering into an interlocal agreement for a three-year vadose zone study with the Lower Loup and Upper Big Blue NRDs at their monthly meeting on Thursday, October 23, 2025. The study aims to improve understanding of how fertilizer application practices affect nitrate movement and leaching through the vadose zone—the layer between the land surface and the groundwater table. Results will help the districts develop more effective nutrient management strategies to protect groundwater quality. Under the proposed agreement, the Lower Loup NRD (LLNRD) will serve as the lead sponsor, providing 50% of the sponsor’s cost, not to exceed $210,400 in cash. The Central Platte and Upper Big Blue NRDs will each reimburse LLNRD for 25% of the sponsor’s costs, not to exceed $105,200 in cash, unless additional costs are mutually agreed upon.

The CPNRD Board meeting will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the CPNRD office, 215 Kaufman Avenue in Grand Island. The meeting is open to the public.

AGENDA/ACTION ITEMS

New Director
Luke Ourada, recently appointed to represent Subdistrict 3, will be introduced and begin serving on the Board. Ourada’s appointment extends through December 2026.

Building Committee
The Building Committee will review bids received for construction of a 60’ x 145’ maintenance building at the site of CPNRD’s new office and education center. The committee will provide a recommendation to the Board.

Overton FFA Presentation
Juliana Loudon, advisor for the Overton FFA Chapter, will bring her team to present to the Board. The team consisting of Paige Walahoski (sophomore), Toby Orvis and Mason Dutro (juniors), will compete in the Environment and Natural Resources contest at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis later this month. The students will share their presentation with the Board as part of their preparation and to gain additional public speaking experience.

Manager’s Report
Lyndon Vogt, General Manager, will report.

Nebraska Association of Resources District
Deb VanMatre, CPNRD Representative, will report.

Nebraska Natural Resources Commission
Doug Reeves, Middle Platte Basin Representative, will report.

Financial Report
The October financial report will be considered.

Cost-Share
Applications for the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program and Central Platte NRD cost-share programs will be considered.

Upcoming Board Meetings 
November 13, December 18, January 22

September Board Action

Luke Ourada Appointed to Central Platte NRD Board

The Central Platte Natural Resources District (CPNRD) Board of Directors appointed Luke Ourada of Elm Creek to fill the vacant seat in Subdistrict 3 during their September meeting. Ourada succeeds Steve Sheen who stepped down in June after serving on the Board for 18 years. Ourada will serve through December 2026 and must file for the February 2027 primary election to be considered for an additional four-year term.

Industrial Well Permit
The Board approved a new commercial-industrial well permit in Hall County with the following conditions:
1. Grand Island Hospital Holdings LLC must complete an approved transfer of irrigated acres to offset the new use within two years of drilling the well.
CPNRD will sell water to the permit holder for up to two years until the permanent offsets can be secured.

2. A District approved meter must be installed.

3. An annual report on the amount water pumped must be submitted to CPNRD.

New Office and Education Center
The Board approved the Building Committee’s recommendation to accept a bid proposal from i.e. Design of Lincoln for office furniture not to exceed $340,000. The Board also approved advertising for bids on a new 60’ x 145’ maintenance building at the office site, with a recommendation expected at the October meeting. Larger equipment and surplus furniture will be offered for sale to other NRDs that have already expressed interest.

Manager’s Report

• Platte River Recovery Implementation Program (PRRIP): The Land Advisory Committee reported to the Governance Committee that populations of Whooping Cranes, Piping Plovers, and Least Terns have all increased, and the First Increment Goal for land acquisition is close to being met. The Land Plan aims to protect and restore 10,000 acres of habitat for these species.
• City of Gothenburg: CPNRD staff met with city officials regarding water needs for Project Meadowlark, a proposed $750 million liquid fertilizer facility. Meadowlark will serve farmers within a 150-mile radius and is projected to begin production in late 2028.

Nitrate Legacy & Drinking Water Committee
Director Tom Downey reported that three priorities under consideration include: implementing statewide meters, prohibiting fall fertilizer application, and expanding educational outreach for private well owners and municipalities.

Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Report
District Conservationist Joe Krolikowski presented a summary of FY2025 Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) contracts in the District, totaling 39 contracts on 7,901.8 acres for $2.2 million. Resource Conservationist Jason Schulz also highlighted Small Scale Urban Projects, including high/low tunnels, irrigation practices, composting facilities, and nutrient/pest management.

Financial & Cost-Share Reports
The September financial report was approved. Three cost-share applications for burn preparation, prescribed burning, and cover crops were approved through the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Program and CPNRD cost-share programs totaling $8,324.

Upcoming Board Meetings
October 23, 2025
November 13, 2025
December 18, 2025