45-435. Hearing on designation of subsequent irrigation non-expansion areas and boundaries; notice; procedures

A. If the director finds that an area which is not included within an active management area meets the criteria specified in section 45-432, or a petition is filed pursuant to section 45-433, the director shall hold a public hearing to consider:

1. Whether to issue an order declaring the area an irrigation non-expansion area.

2. The boundaries of the proposed irrigation non-expansion area.

B. The director shall give reasonable notice of the hearing under the circumstances which shall include the publication once each week for two consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in each county in which the proposed irrigation non-expansion area is located. Any notice shall contain the time and place of the hearing, the legal description and a map clearly identifying and describing all lands to be included in the proposed irrigation non-expansion area and any other information the director deems necessary.

C. The hearing shall be held at a location in the county in which the major portion of the proposed irrigation non-expansion area is located no less than thirty days but no more than sixty days after the first publication of the notice of the hearing. At the hearing, the director shall present the factual data in his possession in support of or in opposition to the proposed action. Any person may appear at the hearing, either in person or by representative, and submit oral or documentary evidence for or against the proposed action. In making his determination, the director shall give full consideration to public comment and to recommendations made by local political subdivisions.