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Republican River disputes could cost Nebraska another $1.2M

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Disputes over the Republican River continue to cost Nebraska millions in legal expenses despite a new promise of cooperation with fellow river states Kansas and Colorado.

The Nebraska attorney general's office is seeking another $1.2 million from lawmakers to defend the state against a class-action lawsuit filed by farmers and to hire consultants for its ongoing settlement negotiations with Kansas.

The budget request to lawmakers reflects lingering costs for the state as it works to secure a long-term agreement with Kansas and meet its obligations under the Republican River Compact.

Farmers within the Frenchman Cambridge Irrigation District in southern Nebraska are seeking $219 million in damages for lost water that was diverted downstream to Kansas in order to comply with the river compact.

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