March 2025 NEBRASKA CATTLEMAN 25 combined. Instead, these flows passed downstream and left the state unused. The project will also work in tandem with Nebraska’s existing irrigation infrastructure, providing increased water supply reliability through new reservoir operations and improved South Platte River supplies, taking pressure off Lake McConaughy and the North Platte River system, which otherwise would have to make up for any South Platte River flow reductions. The project could also provide new ways to improve the efficiency of water users in meeting federal Endangered Species Act requirements through the central Platte River and bolster that ecosystem’s resiliency. The Path Forward The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources has hired a team of engineers to design the project and acquire necessary permits for its construction. These efforts are well underway with the 30-percent design now complete and geotechnical work for the canal segments and reservoir sites underway. Federal permitting is underway with construction expected to begin in 2028. The project is expected to be operational by the end of 2032. More detailed information and updates on the project, including fact sheets, educational videos and correspondence between the states, can be found on the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources Perkins County Canal website at dnr.nebraska. gov/perkins-county-canal. In summary, the Perkins County Canal project has the clear potential to have a multi-generational impact for Nebraskans. Think about where our state would be if we had not put in the effort to construct the expansive network of irrigation canals that we enjoy the benefits of today, or the foresight and will to construct storage facilities like Lake McConaughy and Sutherland Reservoir to manage our highly variable water supplies. Thankfully our former generations put in the hard work to secure those investments. Now it is this generation’s time to look toward our future, one that must include the Perkins County Canal project. ~NC~ Perkins County Canal Project Area Water District 1 Water District 64 www.carawayredangus.com Annual Production sale March 15, 2025 Jon & Blair Caraway Family Jon (507)530.3166 Blair (308)325.2712 42691 Road 755, Lexington, NE 1 p.m. CST Near Cozad, NE Lot 9 - LRA REdemption 729 Son Lot 30 - CRAR Domain 32G Son LRA Redemption 729 Feddes Brunswick D202 3SCC Laser Focused C171 Bieber CL Forefront F135 Crar Domain 32G CRAR Domain 44F STRA Relentless Se ing sons of:
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