By Scout Nelson
Nebraska's ambitious plan to construct a canal to transport water from Colorado to the state has sparked a water dispute between the two neighboring states. The proposed Perkins County Canal, which has been in the works for several years, aims to address water shortages in Nebraska's agricultural sector.
Joe Frank, general manager of the Lower South Platte Conservancy District, has been instrumental in driving the canal project. He envisions a reservoir that would store water for agricultural use and supply the growing Denver suburb of Parker. However, the project has faced opposition from Colorado officials, who argue that it could have negative impacts on water allocation and environmental resources.
The interstate compacts between Nebraska and Colorado, signed in the 1920s, grants Nebraska the right to build a canal and use the water for irrigation. However, the compact does not address other potential uses, such as providing water for threatened and endangered species
This has become a point of contention between the two states, as the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program seeks to protect these species.
Colorado State Engineer Jason Ullman has expressed concerns about the canal's potential impact on the Platte River Recovery Implementation Program. He argues that the project could reduce the amount of water that recharges the river in Colorado, which could negatively affect the program's efforts to protect wildlife.
The proposed Perkins County Canal remains a contentious issue between Nebraska and Colorado, with both states asserting their rights and interests in the water resources of the region. The project's future is uncertain, and it is likely that negotiations and legal battles will continue as the states seek to find a solution that balances their competing needs and priorities.
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Categories: Nebraska, General