Buffalo County commissioners approve new comprehensive plan

NEWLY APPROVED COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

KEARNEY, Neb. — Buffalo County is moving forward with a new comprehensive plan.

The county commissioners voted 7-0 on Tuesday to approve the plan, which was developed by Hanna Keelan Associates of Lincoln. It replaces the previous plan from 2012 and aims to direct future growth and development in rural Buffalo County over the next 10 years.

The county’s population is projected to grow from 50,703 to 54,346 over the next decade. Senior Planner Keith Carl says the plan is designed to protect farm ground.

“With the county growing in population, how do we continue to preserve agriculture? Whether it be ag industry, whether it be traditional farming measures, we want to be able to preserve that economic indicator,” Carl said.

The plan encourages residential subdivision growth to happen close to Kearney to avoid encroaching on agriculture production.

Public participation in developing the comprehensive plan included public meetings in Elm Creek, Gibbon and Ravenna. 252 residents gave input through an online survey.