Water Online: As the American Midwest works to recover from catastrophic flooding that has plagued the area since mid-March, some communities are just setting out on the long road to recovery. In one example of just how disruptive the disaster has been, critical water and wastewater treatment operations that residents in Nebraska depend on will…
The North Platte Telegraph: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Omaha says it has awarded a $12 million contract to repair a Missouri River levee near Hamburg, Iowa, that broke during catastrophic flooding last month. The Corps says the breach repair should provide temporary flood protection of critical infrastructure. The contract was awarded to…
KRVN 880 Rural Radio: North Dakota and the developer of the Dakota Access oil pipeline settled a lawsuit over the Texas company’s ownership of ranch land in the Plains state where corporations aren’t allowed in the farming industry. The deal awaiting a judge’s approval involves a business structure that technically keeps the land tied to…
KRVN 880 Rural Radio: A bipartisan group of Senators is seeking a USDA-wide National Water Quality Initiative to prioritize conservation measures in the 2018 Farm Bill to address water quality. In a letter, the Senators point out that the 2018 Farm Bill made “historic investments” in voluntary conservation efforts to address water quality challenges. Specifically,…
Kearney Hub: The federal agency that manages dams along the Missouri River received stern criticism from several U.S. senators Wednesday during a hearing held in Iowa to examine the massive spring flooding this year that caused more than $3 billion in damage in the Midwest. The flooding and actions taken by the U.S. Army Corps…
KRVN 880 Rural Radio: Midwest lawmakers last week introduced a bill that would provide tax relief for disaster victims stemming from events this spring. Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa announced the Tax Relief Act of 2019. The bill would provide tax deductions for individuals and businesses affected by federally declared disasters that occurred between January…
The North Platte Telegraph: Industrial hemp could be on its way back to Nebraska fields after almost 80 years. State lawmakers took a major step Monday toward allowing marijuana’s practical cousin to be grown, harvested, processed and marketed in the state. Despite warnings from some senators, the Legislature gave 37-4 first-round approval to a bill…
Hastings Tribune: Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Charles Grassley are putting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ river management practices under review Wednesday. Ernst chairs a U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee field hearing on the corps’ response to the disastrous Missouri River flooding Wednesday morning at 8:30 at Kaufman Hall at 24116 Marian…
The North Platte Telegraph: Nebraska groundwater levels continued to rise in the areas most affected by the 2012 drought, according to a new report from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Conservation and Survey Division. Still, some portions of the state recorded levels below those of the pre-drought years. The annual statewide report, part of a nation-leading…
KRVN 880 Rural Radio: USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Amanda De Jong today announced that effective immediately, emergency grazing use of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres is approved in Iowa through May 14, 2019. The authorization was granted to address the impacts of the recent extreme weather, including flooding. Participation is limited…
KRVN 880 Rural Radio: Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue says farmers ought to be eligible for federal compensation for grain lost in flooded bins this spring. At nearly the same time, House Ag Committee Chair Collin Peterson called for a one-time payment to flooded grain operators. Insurance policies typically cover grain bins and the equipment needed…
KRVN 880 Rural Radio: One of Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts’ property tax proposals has stalled in a legislative committee, but lawmakers are still working on a package to address the complaints of farmers, ranchers and homeowners. The governor’s proposed constitutional amendment didn’t get enough support Wednesday to advance out of the Revenue Committee. It would…