LINCOLN- Governor Ricketts went on an unannounced trip to possible locations and routes for the Perkins County Canal.

The Governor observed drought impacts along the way and noted that the drought only makes a better case for why the project is needed.

“This visit reinforced the need for us to protect every drop of South Platte River water we can,” Ricketts said in a press release. “The Perkins County Canal is essential for this purpose.”

Governor Ricketts proposed a $500 million project that he claims is the only way for Nebraska to claim non-irrigation period flows from the South Platte River guaranteed in a river compact with Colorado.

The governor also said Nebraska needs to claim its rightful share of the river’s flows before Colorado, and its fast-growing Front Range, capture it instead.

Colorado officials have condemned the proposal, calling it a “canal to nowhere” and a waste of taxpayer money.

A press release from the governor’s office said the visit, which wasn’t announced on the governor’s weekly public schedule, offered “a first-hand look at drought conditions and included a windshield survey of possible routes and reservoir locations for the Perkins County Canal.”

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