Nebraska Attorney General Comments on Nebraska-Colorado Canal Dispute

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers commented Tuesday regarding the Perkins County Canal after it was announced Monday that the Supreme Court would hear the case whether Colorado violated the South Platte Compact agreement in two different ways as Nebraska alleges that Colorado has violated the Compact by allowing junior water users to intercept water that belongs to Nebraska during the irrigation season.

Nebraska also seeks resolution of disputes concerning Colorado’s interference with Nebraska’s right to construct and operate the Perkins County Canal, a project expressly authorized by the Compact. In his opening statement Hilgers addressed why the Case is headed to the Highest Court in the Land. “This is the one court that can resolve the primary issues in our dispute with Colorado in one place.” said Hilgers “It doesn’t mean it goes faster but it is much more efficient.”

The Supreme Court will appoint a Special Master to oversee the proceedings, conduct hearings, and submit recommended findings to the Court who will ultimately make their decision then.