Central Hawke's Bay District Council says not investing in the Ruataniwha dam would be a "gross dereliction" of Hawke's Bay Regional Council's responsibilities.
The claim is part of the district council's response to the regional council's call for submission's on its proposal to invest up to $80 million in the Ruataniwha dam and irrigation scheme for Central Hawke's Bay.
The $275 million scheme would provide irrigation for up to 25,000ha across the Ruataniwha Plains and the regional council says it would boost the local economy by more than $200 million a year.
The Ruataniwha water storage scheme (RWSS) project is strongly supported by the CHB district council, which is considering investing $5 million in the scheme.
The district council's finance and services committee yesterday hosted Hawke's Bay Regional Council staff and politicians to discuss the Ruataniwha project.