LINCOLN — A leading state senator is expressing opposition to one of Gov. Pete Ricketts’ top priorities: setting aside $500 million to build a canal off the South Platte River. State Sen. John Stinner of Gering, who chairs the powerful Appropriations Committee, said he cannot agree with earmarking that much in state funds for the Perkins County Canal.

On Wednesday, February 16, Stinner said he would, however, support spending a smaller amount on a feasibility study for the project.

“This canal is a complicated, long-term project that deserves to be looked at,” the senator said.

He went on to say the allotted $500 million - $400 million in cash reserve funds and $100 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) - could be used in better ways now.

Ricketts and his administration have attempted to portray the canal as the lone method for Nebraska to get all the water promised under the 99-year-old compact with the State of Colorado regarding the South Platte's flows. But a spokesman for Colorado's governor said the Perkins County Canal was a "canal to nowhere" and a "boondoggle" that would never be built. Senator Stinner's hesitancy seems to indicate he also does not believe this to be the only way for Nebraska to get the necessary water.

The governor, however, said the project is urgent given the increase in population that Colorado is seeing. Gov. Ricketts claims the water development plans in Colorado will consume 90% of the South Platte's flows. Officials have also said the canal could take up to a decade to be designed and built, however.

The Appropriations Committee is finalizing its budget recommendations, as well as its suggestions on how to spend Nebraska's $1.04 billion allocation from ARPA. Proposals for spending the funds will be debated by the full State Legislature later in this year's 60-day session.

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