The Nebraska Legislature’s own research office is casting doubt on the amount of water that state officials expect a proposed canal will deliver to the state.
Tom Riley, director of Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, testifies in front of the Natural Resources Committee in February at the state Capitol.
When people think of water issues in the Western U.S., the Colorado River often comes to mind. But a new dispute is brewing over a lesser known Western river, the South Platte. Almost 100 years ago, Nebraska and Colorado signed a compact that divided South Platte water during growing season. It also stated Nebraska could build a canal in Colorado to capture surplus flows after growing season was over. For 99 years, Nebraska officials held off on a canal. But this spring, the state legislature voted to begin funding the project.
The 10 best beaches in Nebraska ... no, really!
Lake Mac
Lake McConaughy has natural white sand beaches.
Nebraska Tourism
Calamus Reservoir
Windsurfing off Calamus Reservoir beach is popular.
Nebraska Tourism
Wagon Train Lake beach
Sun, sand and water lure visitors to the beach at Wagon Train Lake in 2012.
GWYNETH ROBERTS/Journal Star file photo
Niobrara River
A beach along the Niobrara River.
Nebraska Tourism
Branched Oak Lake
Hayli Spellman, 5, plays in the sand on the beach of Branched Oak Lake in 2009.
Journal Star file photo
Pawnee Lake
A family recreates along a beach at Pawnee Lake State Recreation Area north of Emerald in 2010.
Journal Star file photo
Brick's Beach
Catelynn Acker, 2, of Wahoo cools off in 2003 while walking along the shore of Brick's Beach at Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area.
Journal Star file photo
Swanson Reservoir
Swanson Reservoir is along U.S. 34 west of McCook.
Nebraska Tourism
Two Rivers State Recreation Area
You can fish from the beach at Two Rivers State Recreation Area in Venice.
Game and Parks
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Tom Riley, director of Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, testifies in front of the Natural Resources Committee in February at the state Capitol.
