KEARNEY, Neb. (AP) — Skyrocketing costs have put the brakes on plans to build two central Nebraska reservoirs.

New estimates put construction of the dams and other work on the shallow reservoirs at $170 million — more than 2.5 times the original estimate of $63 million. The estimate does not include the cost if acquiring land for the reservoirs.

Mike Drain, a natural resources manager with the Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, says much of the work is on hold, “in particular the negotiations with landowners.”

The reservoirs had been planned for the south side of the Platte River between Lexington and Overton to temporarily hold excess water for later release back to the river when needed for threatened habitat and endangered birds.