LINCOLN- The South Platte River, which flows from Colorado to Nebraska, has prompted controversy among lawmakers and water users in both states and led to arguments surrounding ownership of the water. That controversy burst into public view at the beginning of last year, when then-Gov. Pete Ricketts outlined a plan to capture that water for usage in Nebraska.

"To secure Nebraska's water supply I am recommending $500 million to construct a canal and water reservoir system from the South Platte River," said Ricketts a year ago, "Access to this water enables our farmers and ranchers to produce. It provides for quality drinking water." That original $500 million proposal has now reached $628 million, and is being spearheaded now by Gov. Jim Pillen. Supporters of the project argued that if Nebraska doesn't build the canal, Colorado could divert almost all of the water away from the state.

Colorado officials called these fears exaggerated, and even some Nebraska lawmakers, including former Sen. Steve Lathrop, questioned why Ricketts brought up an almost 100-year-old canal proposal. Despite the skepticism, Nebraska lawmakers approved money for a feasibility study, and were greeted with four conclusions from consulting firm Zanjero. The state also recently contracted HDR Engineering to design the canal and reservoir system, and Jesse Bradley, assistant director of the Department of Natural Resources, said the project is moving forward.

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