LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — A long-term plan for supplying Lincoln with water 50 years from now suggests the city develop a well field near the Missouri River more than 40 miles away.

Buying and developing the well field, building water treatment plants and laying pipes to Lincoln could cost $1.2 billion by 2044.

Lincoln’s more than 265,000 residents have been getting their water from a well field on the Platte River, but officials say the city should diversify its water supply to meet its future needs.

Two public hearings are schedule later this month on whether the city should approve the master plan.