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Ground Water Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 <br /> November 15, 2024 <br /> Mr. Ullmann responded that the changes would begin in 2030. <br /> Chairman Arnusch called for agenda item no. 5, Commissioners' reports <br /> Commissioner Tietmeyer addressed the Commission, and began his remarks by <br /> introducing a replacement candidate for his seat on the Commission (Mr. Clay <br /> Kinnison). Mr. Kinnison is a resident agriculturalist and ground water user living in <br /> Upper Crow Creek Designated Basin. Mr. Kinnison has experience with farming, <br /> ranching, and irrigation operations in the Basin. <br /> Commissioner Diaz reported that recent storms have helped alleviate some of the dry <br /> conditions in the Rio Grande Basin. The end of Summer and Fall seasons have received <br /> good precipitation in the area, and is a good start to onset of Winter. <br /> Commissioner Denning reported an update on the two wells drilled in Upper Black <br /> Squirrel Creek by developers that have experienced low yields. The developers have <br /> entered into an agreement to instrument the wells to get a better understanding of <br /> what the water situation is in the area. <br /> Mr. Nate Pearson representing Mr. Dan Gibbs on the Commission for the Department <br /> of Natural Resources (DNR) provided some updates on water related issues in his <br /> Department. Unobligated funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for <br /> conservation districts that include the Republican River are nearing expiration. <br /> Remaining funds must be obligated by the end of the calendar year in 2024. Mr. <br /> Pearson mentioned that nearly 100% of the funds have been obligated, after which, <br /> each district will have two years to payout the remaining funds. Additionally, Mr. <br /> Pearson provided an update on negotiations between DNR and the Farm Service <br /> Agency (FSA) in partnership with the Republican River Conservation District. The FSA <br /> CREP dryland farming program has received no applications to date. A set of changes <br /> to the program were presented to address the lack of interest, and the FSA has <br /> agreed to these operational changes, although the proposed financial changes were <br /> not accepted. <br /> Chairman Arnusch asked Mr. Pearson if this program will be part of the discussion <br /> related to the new farm bill. <br /> Mr. Pearson responded that he believes it will be part of the discussion. <br /> Chairman Arnusch called for agenda item no. 6, Hearing on the request by <br /> Ballyneal Land LTD for a variance to Designated Basin Rule 5.6.1.D.1. <br /> Mr. Chris Sanchez and Ms. Jennifer Lindahl with BBA Water Consultants addressed the <br /> Commission on behalf of Ballyneal Land LTD. Mr. Sanchez introduced himself as an <br /> experienced hydrogeologist, and provided a summary of his background and <br />