CURTIS, Neb.—The Middle Republican Natural Resources District has purchased surface water rights for 672 acres to help Nebraska stay in compliance with a three-state compact that governs use of the Republican River.
The NRD says the rights acquired from Riverside Irrigation Company will free up 2,400 acre feet of surface water that will now flow downstream.
The project was funded through the NRD’s occupation tax and the federal Agricultural Water Enhancement Program. The price was not disclosed.
Use of the Republican River’s water is governed by a 1943 compact between Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska. Colorado was given 11 percent of the water, while Nebraska was allotted 49 percent and Kansas 40 percent. There is a long-standing dispute between Kansas and Nebraska over whether Nebraska has used more than its share.
