February 14, 2005

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

In an agricultural state like Nebraska, we are keenly aware of the importance of wise stewardship of water. The ongoing drought only intensifies the need to consider what impact present day water usage will have on future generations.

That's why I was so pleased to travel to South Dakota recently to engage in a discussion about the future of the Missouri River basin. The day-long meeting was attended by governors or their representatives from seven states. I was joined on the trip by Nebraska's Attorney General and the directors of our Department of Natural Resources and Game & Parks, as well as a representative from Senator Ben Nelson's office. Our travel time presented a terrific opportunity to solidify our stance on Nebraska's continuing efforts to address water issues.

We are now entering the sixth year of a drought that has had a tremendous impact on water levels for many of our state's rivers, lakes and streams. Water levels on the Missouri River are of particular concern, not only because the river traverses so many states but because of our dependence on the river to meet the needs of each state.

In eastern Nebraska, power plants and communities rely on the river to meet their daily need for fresh water. In addition, water from the Missouri River is stored in reservoirs, which are home to several endangered species of wildlife. Their habitat is affected as water flows decrease.

This was my first opportunity to personally engage in the discussion about the future of the Missouri River basin and to ensure Nebraska's interests are represented in that discussion. It was also my first opportunity as Governor to interact with governors from neighboring states. It was refreshing to roll-up our sleeves and work together toward consensus. I was very pleased with the meeting. Diverse and competing state, tribal, and stakeholder interests gathered around one table to have a meaningful discussion about the best way to resolve these difficult issues. I was pleased to see that in spite our competing interests, the discussion was focused on how to address needs from a regional perspective.

The consensus from our meeting was that we would work within the master manual for operating the river's dams and reservoirs to save water whenever possible. We also agreed that President Bush's proposal to allocate $82.8 million next year to address this important regional issue is a very positive step. That funding will be instrumental in meeting the needs of threatened and endangered species in the Missouri River basin without significantly impacting power production and municipal water supplies.

Federal funding will not only address wildlife habitat issues, but will also be used to create the Missouri River Recovery Implementation Committee. This group will help ensure that states, tribes and stakeholders in the region have a role in decisions affecting future river operations.

Clearly, issues surrounding water consumption will continue for the foreseeable future. I believe our region is on the right track in trying to manage the Missouri River Basin in as fair a manner as possible. I also believe Nebraska is on the right track with the new water policy, thanks to the commendable efforts of the Water Policy Task Force. We have an obligation to implement a water management plan that ensures consumption does not outpace supply.

Few things are more important than doing what we can to ensure this vital natural resource is available for our children and grandchildren. Our way of life depends on it.