Photo: SAUL LOEB / AFP / Getty Images
(Lincoln, NE) -- State Attorney General Mike Hilgers on Monday announced the U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Nebraska's arguments that Colorado has violated the South Platte River Compact and has improperly interfered with Nebraska's right to develop the Perkins County Canal.
Nebraska argues 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 build and operate the Perkins County Canal, a project expressly authorized by the compact.
Nebraska alleges Colorado's administration of augmentation plans has allowed thousands of junior groundwater wells to operate at the expense of Nebraska's senior compact rights.
The State estimates these violations have deprived Nebraska of more than one million acre-feet of water since the Compact was signed.
Hilgers said resolving the canal issues will provide important legal certainty as Nebraska continues developing the Perkins County Canal to fully realize the benefits guaranteed under the compact.
The Supreme Court will appoint a Special Master to oversee the proceedings, conduct hearings, and submit recommended findings to the Court.
(Picture from Getty Images)