This bill amends sections 61-302 and 61-305 of the Revised Statutes Cumulative Supplement, 2024, concerning the Perkins County Canal Project. It restates the intent of the project, emphasizing the importance of protecting Nebraska's water rights under the South Platte River Compact. Notably, the bill changes the language regarding the development of the canal from "shall" to "may," indicating a shift from a mandatory to a discretionary approach. Additionally, it establishes the requirement for the State Treasurer to transfer five hundred million dollars from the Perkins County Canal Project Fund to the Water Sustainability Fund by June 30, 2025.

The bill also outlines the administration of the Perkins County Canal Project Fund by the Department of Natural Resources, detailing the sources of funding and investment strategies. It mandates the department to identify the optimal route for the canal, purchase land, and conduct a comprehensive study on the canal's costs, timeline, and environmental impacts. The findings of this study are to be presented to the Legislature by December 31, 2022. The original sections of the law being amended are repealed, and the bill is declared to take effect immediately due to the existence of an emergency.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 61-302, 61-305