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The Nebraska NRC indicated that it was desirable to locate the north-south route through the Sandhills farther east. More water could then be delivered to the Loup River system as stream capacities would be greater downstream. Eastern Main Canal Route This route would divert water from Lake Francis Case near Fort Randall Dam. The canal would run directly south to cross the Niobrara River in Nebraska and then westward along the south side of the Niobrara River Valley to a point east of Merritt Reservoir. From there, the canal would run south to cross the Platte River Valley by a siphon at its narrowest point downstream from the city of North Platte. Water would then be pumped westward along the south side of the South Platte River Valley to join the common canal route south of Lake McConaughy. The O'Neill area would be more easily served with this route. More streams in the Loup River system would be available for water transport to downstream need areas. The initial portion of the route, however, would cross many narrow, deep canyons along the south side of the Niobrara River. Also, additional pumping plants would be needed as the initial lift from Lake Francis Case to the top of the bluff would be less than that of the central and western routes. Some of the environmental enhancement gained by releasing water to the Platte River would be lost. Also, options that might involve Lake McConaughy would be more limited. There is little difference in cost between crossing the Platte River system at Lake McConaughy or crossing downstream near the city of North Platte. West Box Butte Route Water delivered to Lake McConaughy or the Platte River by any of the main canal routes could be exchanged for North Platte River water in Wyoming, which could then be diverted to western need areas, thus reducing the required lift from the main canal. Water could be A33