After a hearing on Feb. 9 before the Nebraska Natural Resources Committee, the Nebraska Examiner reported the chairman of the Nebraska Unicameral Appropriations Committee, Sen. John Stinner (R-48), said he couldn’t agree with setting aside $500 million for a canal.
“This canal is a complicated, long-term project that deserves to be looked at,” Stinner said.
Members of the Natural Resources Committee also held a closed-door meeting to discuss LB 1015—the Perkins County Canal Project Act—according to the Omaha World-Herald. Sen. Bruce Bostelman (R-23), chair of the committee, cited “rare and extraordinary circumstances” to “discuss potential litigation issues” as the reason for the closed-door meeting.
Sen. John Cavanaugh (D-9) felt closing the meeting was not necessary and said there is recognition that protecting the state’s water interests is essential.
“The question is whether taking this action would achieve the stated objective,” Cavanaugh told the Omaha World-Herald. “And I am still skeptical on that.”
