The Nebraska Legislature has reached an important milestone this week as we are now focused on the State’s budget. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I am keenly aware of the difficult choices that will need to be made to balance the budget.
Over the course of the budget debate this session, a few Senators have mentioned the Perkins County Canal Fund as a potential source of near-term funding to fill budget holes. Unfortunately, this near-term thinking is not aligned with our longterm, multi-generational views shared in District 47.
On March 21, Keith County Area Development and I invited community members, stakeholders, and industry professionals to Ogallala to discuss the history, impact, and future of the Perkins County Canal project and the South Platte River Compact. Representatives from the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, Nebraska Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Districts, Farm Bureau, Central Nebraska Public Power & Irrigation District, and Nebraska Public Power District provided insights into this critical investment in Nebraska’s water resources. Additionally, in early April, project stakeholders hosted two tours for policymakers to “connect the drops” and encourage longer-term thinking.
