Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts and state leaders on Monday outlined proposals that will strengthen water resources. Ricketts wants to invest $500 million to build a canal and reservoir system that diverts water in Colorado to Nebraska.
“To ensure the growth of our state whether it’s agriculture, drinking water, power generation, environment. We need to ensure future generations have access to this water,” Ricketts says.
Ricketts says Nebraska will assert water rights granted in a 1923 compact with Colorado that allows Nebraska to access land along the South Platte River to divert water out of Colorado. Ricketts says 300 proposed water projects in Colorado could effect 90% flow from the South Platte River into the state.
Ricketts says the plan calls for the construction of a major canal in parts of Colorado and southwest Nebraska. Funding for the project will be included in the Governor’s proposed budget that he will share with the Legislature on Thursday.
Also on Monday Speaker of the Legislature Mike Hilgers proposed a number of water projects developed over the past six months by a special legislative committee. That proposal includes plans to enhance Nebraska’s existing water assets and create new water resources for Nebraskans to enjoy.
The creation of a 4,000-acre lake between Lincoln and Omaha is one of the highlights of the proposal. “We are projecting maybe 30-35 feet deep and roughly located in the Platte River corridor, whether it’s north of the interstate or south, there might be some additional locations, but it would be roughly equal distance between Lincoln and Omaha,” Hilgers says.
He says the seven mile lake long lake would be bigger than Iowa’s Lake Okoboji and would help boost tourism and recreation opportunities.
The proposals also includes:
- Construction of a new marina and related amenities at Lake McConaughy, along with additional road improvements to alleviate congestion and improve public safety
- Replacement of a boat access facility along the Niobrara River in Knox County to provide access to the world-class hunting and fishing in the area
- Construction of an event center and lodge at Niobrara State Park
- A major marina expansion at Lewis and Clark Lake
- Flood control measures along the lower Platte River near Schuyler and in the Wahoo Creek watershed
The proposals today are subject to legislative approval and will be discussed by lawmakers during the current legislative session.
Full video of the press conference is available by clicking here.