GOTHENBURG- On Friday, officials from Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District and Dawson Public Power announced plans to merge the two organizations, claiming that it will be more economically beneficial and help greatly in the construction and logistical planning of a new $750 million liquid fertilizer plant. The fertilizer plant, titled "Project Meadowlark," is expected to consume massive amounts of electricity, more than is required for the entire City of Kearney.

A merged public power district, according to officials from both organizations, would be able to generate and distribute clean, renewable energy more efficiently, as well as provide the electricity needed to operate the fertilizer plant. Central Public Power General Manager Devin Brundage, in a press release, claimed that the merger will help the plant find the best "carbon-free energy" alternative required to operate the Meadowlark Project.

The proposed merger was originally introduced in 2020, and is still pending after state approval was rejected by the Nebraska Power Review Board. Local boards in Dawson and Central have both approved the merger, but state approval is required for its completion. Another opponent of the merger, a small group of local irrigators, also filed a lawsuit against the two power districts, claiming that it will dilute the power of water users to continue to irrigate their crops. To get around these roadblocks, Central's Board of Directors is set to authorize the filing of a petition to amend its charter, and therefore allow the merger to be completed without state approval.

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