A problem shared, is a problem halved.

Nelson MP Nick Smith is hoping the government will come to the party to help fund a proposal for a community dam in the Waimea Plains.

The Lee Valley Dam project has attracted major controversy from the get-go, with some residents fuming over its 70-million-dollar price tag.

Dr Smith says discussions are underway between the Tasman District Council and the Crown Irrigation Company, to help relieve ratepayers of the financial burden.

"Quite frankly, I don't think it is going to be affordable for the Tasman district council to proceed with this ban unless they do get some level of support," he says.