(AP) — Nebraska will see some lasting benefits from the Colorado floodwaters that flowed into the state this fall in the South Platte and Platte rivers.

The floodwaters that were diverted into irrigation canals along the river will help boost groundwater levels in the area and help the Platte and Republican rivers.

The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources worked with six irrigation districts along the South Platte, North Platte and Platte rivers to divert water once it became clear flooding was imminent because of the massive amount of rain that fell in Colorado in September.

John Thorburn with the Tri-Basin Natural Resources District says capturing some of the floodwaters in the midst of a drought was a great opportunity.