Army Corps holds Kearney meeting on proposed Perkins County Canal project

KEARNEY, Neb. — Federal officials met with residents in Kearney this week as part of the early stages of a federal review for the proposed Perkins County Canal project.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers hosted the meeting to explain the federal permitting process and gather public input on the project, which would impact both Nebraska and Colorado.

Officials say the meeting is part of the initial “scoping” phase of an Environmental Impact Statement, which will examine how the project could affect the surrounding environment and communities.

The Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment is seeking a federal permit under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act to construct and operate the project.

If built, the canal system would divert water from the South Platte River near Ovid, Colorado, and return it to the river near Roscoe, Nebraska through a network of canals, dams and reservoirs.

Army Corps representatives told attendees the environmental review process is just beginning and public input will help determine what issues should be studied as part of that analysis.

The Corps says the project could have significant impacts on aquatic resources, which is why a full Environmental Impact Statement will be required before any permitting decision is made.

Public comments will be accepted through April 6 as part of the federal review process.