LINCOLN — As Nebraska lawmakers shift their focus to the state budget, District 47 Sen. Paul Strommen is calling on his colleagues to stay committed to long-term infrastructure priorities, including the Perkins County Canal project.

In a letter released this week, Strommen, a member of the Appropriations Committee, expressed concern over suggestions to divert funds from the Perkins County Canal Fund to fill short-term budget gaps. He argued that doing so would undermine a critical, multi-generational investment in Nebraska’s water security and economic future.

“The Perkins County Canal project is necessary to enforce Nebraska’s South Platte Compact with Colorado,” Strommen wrote. “Without it, we miss out on vital non-irrigation season water flows that benefit agriculture, power generation, and drinking water access across the state.”

Strommen noted that Nebraska law and the compact require a 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) flow from October 15 to April 1—but only if the canal is built. Losing that water, he said, would hurt not just western Nebraska but the entire Platte River Basin, including Lake McConaughy and the North Platte River.

In March, Strommen and Keith County Area Development hosted a public forum in Ogallala with representatives from state agencies and utilities to reaffirm support for the canal. Additional policymaker tours followed in April.

While acknowledging the tough fiscal decisions ahead, Strommen urged a continued focus on long-term investments. “I remain committed to projects essential to the prosperity, health, and welfare of Nebraskans,” he said.