Drought conditions and water shortages were a major concern during an update from Congressman Adrian Smith’s office at Monday’s Lincoln County Commissioners meeting.
Val Jan Santi, a representative for Smith’s office, shared updates from across the region, including irrigation concerns tied to low snowpack in the mountains that feed the North Platte River system.
Officials said current projections show significantly reduced water availability this year.
“Looks like they’re going to get maybe 35 days of water this year,” Jan Santi said.
That limited supply could have major impacts on agriculture across western Nebraska, particularly for irrigated farmland.
The situation could also reach historic levels.
“That is in line for record-setting drought since they’ve kept records,” Jan Santi said. "It's sad to hear."
The update also included discussion of federal funding for infrastructure projects, including work to repair a major irrigation tunnel system that serves tens of thousands of acres in Nebraska and Wyoming.
Commissioners raised additional concerns about how drought and recent wildfires are affecting property values and what options may be available for relief.
Local officials noted that while property owners can file for valuation adjustments, the county’s authority is limited under current state law.
They also asked whether any federal action could help address those limitations, particularly for landowners impacted by fire damage.
Jan Santi said he would follow up on those questions and continue discussions with federal officials.