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Show NEBRASKA 739 shall consider the facts offered as justification, the known ground water supply, and such other pertinent information as may be available.334 The statutes also provided for the creation of ground water conservation districts;335 the boards of directors of which are authorized to gather and disseminate information concerning ground water and adopt rules and regula- tions for the proper conservation of ground water within the district.336 After June 30, 1972, no new ground water conservation districts shall be created. Districts not completed by July 1, 1972, shall be null and void. All such districts validly created before July 1, 1972, shall continue to function under the provision of sections 46-614 to -634.337 In 1969, the Nebraska Legislature provided for the creation of natural re- source districts for purposes of consolidating the functions previously per- formed by various special purpose districts and boards; and it "encouraged" other special purpose districts, including ground water conservation districts, to cooperate with and, where appropriate, to merge with natural resource dis- tricts.338 The legislation declares that the purposes of the natural resource districts shall be to develop and execute, under this legislation, plans, facilities, works, and programs relating to, among other things, "development, manage- ment, utilization and conservation of ground water and surface water * * *."339 Included among the numerous powers granted to these districts are the powers to (1) acquire and dispose of water rights,340 (2) acquire, construct, operate and maintain ground water storage areas, and (3) promulgate and administer regulations relating to ground water.341 Whenever the board of directors of a natural resource district determines that regulations are necessary to ensure the proper conservation of ground water within the district, it shall consult with the State Department of Water Resources, the Conservation and Survey Division of the University of Ne- braska, the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Commission and ground water users within the district. Regulations may be adopted only after (1) a public hearing, (2) a determination by the board of directors following the hearing that such regulations will be in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare and in harmony with the State water plan developed by the Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and (3) a referendum in which only the owners of existing wells within the district shall be eligible to vote. If a ma- jority of the votes cast favor the regulations, they shall be deemed in effect.342 334Id. § 46-653 33sId. §§ 46-614 to-634. 336Id. § 46-629. 337Nebr. Laws 1971, L. B. 544, § 9. ""Nebr. Rev. Stat. § 2-3201 (1970). 339Id. § 2-3229. M0Id. § 2-3233. 341 Id. §§ 2-3238 and-3237. M*Id. |