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Nebraska bill would compensate irrigators

 A bill that would compensate irrigators in the Republican River Basin of Nebraska, if the state cuts off their access to surface water, has received first-round approval from Nebraska lawmakers.

The bill would make up to ten million dollars available over the next two years and cap the payments at 300 dollars per acre.  It stems from ongoing dispute between Nebraska and Kansas over water in the Republican River.

The bill faces two more rounds of consideration.  Some lawmakers warn that major changes are still needed to address problems with the legislation.