(HOLDREGE, Neb.) - The Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District held their monthly meeting on Monday (Nov. 3) at district headquarters in Holdrege.
Directors went through an in-depth discussion of the 2026 budget that will be voted on at the December board meeting. Staff reported on potential capital projects for the upcoming year as well as an overview of the current revenue streams.
The board then looked at future infrastructure planning revenue ideas necessary to fund upcoming maintenance, improvements and expansion of the district. Several options were presented and discussed to help give staff direction moving forward. The Board recognizes that aging infrastructure across the district needs to be addressed and the board will continue to pursue new revenue options.
Also at Monday’s board meeting:
• Directors approved a budget amendment of $24,000 to replace the siding at the Eagle Viewing building located at Kingsley Dam. It is expected that the work can be completed before eagle viewing begins around the holidays.
• Hydraulic Project Operations Manager Cory Steinke reported to the board ongoing discussions about bridge repairs over the Supply Canal. He has met with commissioners from Gosper County, Dawson County and Lincoln County about the future of bridges.
• In addition, Gosper County Commissioners were in attendance and participated in the Power and Facilities Meeting that took place after the board meeting adjourned.
• Irrigation and Water Services Manager Scott Dicke told directors that preliminary dirt work is nearing completion at the 9.7 Phelps Canal structure site and new concrete could be poured later this week.
• Civil Engineer Tyler Thulin reported that Lake McConaughy’s elevation was at 3225.4 feet on Monday (45.1% of capacity). Inflows are around 1125 cubic feet per second (cfs) and outflows are about 300 cfs. Thulin reminded the board the J-2 Hydrocycling will conclude on November 10 so Johnson Lake water elevations will continue to fluctuate around two feet.
• Thulin also reported that a maintenance outage is planned for the Johnson No. 2 Hydroplant on November 17. There will be a two to three feet drawdown leading up to that outage. Electrical Project Operations Manager Eric Hixson added that the annual inspection was completed of J-2 Hydroplant las week and no major problems were discovered.