Six landowners in Sedgwick County are facing a major decision in April: whether to sell their land to the state of Nebraska for the construction of the Perkins County Canal, a $600 million project partially located in Colorado. The history of the proposed canal dates back over 100 years to a compact between Colorado and Nebraska regarding water from the South Platte River.
Nebraska claims that Colorado’s increased diversions have left them no choice but to construct the canal to secure non-irrigation season water. While Colorado had previously agreed to the canal in 1923, Attorney General Phil Weiser has voiced opposition to Nebraska’s potential action, stating that it would not benefit Nebraska and would have negative consequences for Colorado’s land and water resources.
Nebraska’s attempt to acquire land for the canal has faced resistance from five landowners who argue that the diversion would dry up 30,000 to 60,000 acres of land and impact municipal wells. Despite these concerns, Nebraska continues to press forward with the project which is facing budgetary challenges and potential legislative obstacles in Nebraska.
The issue has caused tension between the two states, with Colorado Senator Byron Pelton accusing Nebraska of acting in bad faith and threatening eminent domain on generational farms. With Nebraska seeking to secure funds for the project and facing opposition on multiple fronts, the future of the Perkins County Canal remains uncertain.
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