The primary purpose of this planning project is agricultural water management.

The plan would also address flood prevention and watershed protection.

The goal is to establish a recommended Plan-EA that includes alternatives supported by public engagement and sponsor participation that follows the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process.

The Lower Republican NRD has identified a need to create a management plan within the Thompson Creek Watershed that will allow the NRD to ease agricultural water shortages by providing a reliable water supply in water-short years, reduce flood related damages to agricultural properties, improve flood resiliency, and enhance groundwater recharge efforts.

The purpose and need will be further refined during the planning process.