(HOLDREGE, Neb.) - The Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District’s board of directors approved an interlocal agreement with Gosper County for bridge replacement during their April Board of Directors meeting that was held on Monday (April 6) in Holdrege.
In the agreement, Central would agree to begin the process of replacing the Johnson Lake inlet bridge that was forced to be closed by the county in November 2025 due to safety reasons. Currently, that bridge is owned and maintained by Gosper County. With the new agreement, Central would take over ownership of the inlet bridge and commit to remove the current bridge and start the process of replacing it with a new steel and concrete bridge as soon as possible.
Hydraulic Operations Manager Cory Steinke told the board that the initial cost projection for the new inlet bridge is $3 million. He highlighted the importance of the bridge as an emergency vehicle route and access to Johnson Lake for residents and recreation visitors. Gosper County has agreed to pay $300,000 towards the costs of removal of the current inlet bridge and location requirements of the new one.
In exchange for taking over and replacing the Johnson Lake inlet bridge, Gosper County would close two of Central’s bridges over the supply canal. Central would handle the removal of the district’s two timber bridges located at supply canal mile post 70.7 and at post 73.4 which are downstream from the Johnson Lake outlet bridge.
Together this working partnership provides cost savings for both entities. Central takes responsibility over the Johnson Lake inlet bridge from Gosper County by installing an updated bridge to meet today’s standards and by removing the bridges, Central is expected to save $5 million in replacement costs and future maintenance of the timber structures.
Also at Monday’s Meeting:
- The board approved a WaterSmart grant application in the amount of $5 million for the installation of lateral canal automation from Rubicon. The action formalizes the board’s commitment and direction to staff for the submitted grant application and associated project, if awarded. As approved, it provides additional direction to prioritize the Phelps Canal system first, followed by the E65 system. Irrigation and Water Services Manager Scott Dicke highlighted the return on investment associated with Rubicon, including improvements in customer satisfaction, water savings and labor costs. If awarded, Central will be responsible for securing the required $5 million in matching funds.
- David Jarecke of Woods Aitken law firm in Lincoln presented to the board the strategy for the General Manager search. The board hired Woods Aitken to assist in the executive search process. Jarcecke reported that the job posting would occur later this month and a national search of applications will remain open until June 5. He presented a list of qualifications and skills that will be included in the job description and outlined a timeline of the selection process.
- Nick Simonson from the Lower Republican Natural Resource District gave an update to the directors on the proposed augmentation well project. Simonson clarified to Central’s board about the environmental assessment that has taken place and the subject matter of the public meeting regarding the Turkey Creek Watershed plan that was held virtually in late March.
- Directors voted to approve an agreement with JEO Consulting Group to conduct a feasibility study about potential residential lot development at Bullhead Point on Johnson Lake in the area of Medo’s Resort.
- The directors approved a purchase requisition in the amount of $185,300 with Sahling Kenworth of Kearney, Neb., for the purchase of a 2027 semi tractor with day cab. In addition, they approved the purchase of a 55-ton lowboy trailer in the amount of $124,624 from Jim Hawk Truck Trailers of Council Bluffs, Iowa.
- The board gave approval for the purchase of a 2026 6M180 John Deere Tractor in the amount of $183,380 from Landmark Implement.
- A modified agreement with the Nebraska Game & Parks Commission was approved by the board. The amended agreement allows NGPC to manage recreational areas within Central’s property, including the newly completed and installed boat ramp at Middle Phillips Canyon. It also includes areas at Gallagher Canyon, Plum Creek Canyon and Midway/Schmeeckle area.
- Civil Engineer Tyler Thulin reported that Lake McConaughy’s elevation was at 3,231.0 feet on Monday (51.4% capacity). Inflows are approximately 600 cubic feet per second (cfs), while outflows were at 675 cfs. Thulin said that snow in the basins is beginning to melt but remains below average. He reminded the directors that the hydrocycling period runs through April 30 so water levels will continue to fluctuate at Johnson Lake.