Desert Earth People build ship to leave

[snailcrusher]

Hi, am trying to find a book. I do not know the author or the title.
Most of earth is desert from over use. The people have lost hope to build canals, replant or irrigate.
The government finds old plans to build a spaceship to take everyone away. They start building the ship, but it is a ruse to get the people to build canals.
After many years Earth is improving, but the ship becomes self aware and send out drones to invite everyone to fly away.
People leave all of the work projects. The government tries to stop the ship. It does not end well.
Does anyone know this book. I believe it is form the 1960's or 70's
Thank You

 

[BAYLOR]

Do you remember anything about the cover art of this book? Sometimes that can narrow things down.

 

[snailcrusher]

I think it was a old style rocket ship with fins laying on its side in the desert

 

[Danny McG]

The government tries to stop the ship. It does not end well

How did it not end well?
Did the ship destroy the government?
Did the ship blow up?
Was the Earth destroyed?
Did all the people get killed?

Anything extra you remember might help identify