Recently, the Governor of Nebraska announced a funding initiative to pursue a $500 million canal project to divert water from the South Platte River in Colorado. CDA has been in close contact with the Department of Natural Resources and the State Engineer’s Office, which has a strong understanding of the South Platte River Compact.
Colorado has a long history of maintaining compliance with the South Platte River Compact. Colorado and Nebraska have always worked cooperatively and CDA will continue to lean on our in-state partners, including the Department of Natural Resources, Attorney General’s Office, State Engineer’s Office, and Governor’s Office on water issues.
So far, Nebraska has not shared any project proposals with Colorado. Without a proposal, there is no basis to determine how the announcement would impact Colorado’s agricultural water users.
We know water is critical to Colorado’s agricultural sector and the Colorado Department of Agriculture will continue to advocate on behalf of our state.
If you have any questions about this issue, contact CDA at CDA_Info@state.co.us.