New Cost-Share Programs in 2026/2027

The Central Platte NRD Board of Directors approved several changes to its 2026/2027 cost-share budget, including two new programs designed to improve water quality and protect drinking water supplies. The following updates will take effect July 1, 2026.

New Chemigation Incentive Program
The Chemigation Incentive Program provides reimbursement of 50% of actual costs up to $3,500 per field with a lifetime maximum reimbursement of $7,000. Participation is limited to two fields or a maximum of 320 acres/landowner. Eligible expenses include chemical injection pumps, interlocks, injection valves, mainline check valves, low-pressure drains, and discharge hoses. To qualify, landowners must also be enrolled in the Sensor-Based Nutrient Management Program. The program is intended to encourage producers to utilize chemigation as a fertilizer application method, helping improve nutrient management and protect groundwater resources.

New Reverse Osmosis System Program
CPNRD also approved a new Reverse Osmosis System Program to help reduce nitrate levels in household drinking water supplied by private wells. The program reimburses 50% of the actual cost of a reverse osmosis system, up to $750 per home. Applicants must provide a nitrate water test and proof of well registration prior to approval. Assistance is limited to one system per landowner per home.

Tree and Weed Barrier Program
Cost-share assistance for tree plantings will increase to 75% of actual costs, up to $5,000, for projects that include 200 or more trees. The increase was approved to encourage additional large-scale tree and weed barrier plantings throughout the District. This year, CPNRD sold 24,225 tree seedlings through its Conservation Tree Program, bringing the total number of trees sold since 1972 to 3,974,837. The District
also sold 2.66 miles of fabric weed barrier, increasing the total sold since 1991 to 637 miles.

Phragmites and Soil Moisture Sensor Programs
The Board also discontinued the Phragmites and Soil Moisture Sensor programs due to low participation in recent years.

Your CPNRD Contact:
Kelly Cole 308-395-7134 | cole@cpnrd.org