LINCOLN — The proposal for a 4,000-acre sandpit lake between Omaha and Lincoln got a lot of love Wednesday from state legislators but also plenty of questions about how much public access would be allowed.

State Sens. John Cavanagh and Steve Lathrop, both of Omaha, led the questioning.Cavanaugh told the Nebraska Examiner he was concerned that the public could be barred from a portion of the big lake.

“If we’re going to make this a state asset, we need to enshrine that we guarantee public access,” he said.

Lincoln Sen. Mike Hilgers, a main proponent of the lake, said an amendment is being drafted to ensure that “public access” to the lake.

He said the lake would probably have marinas and hotels that are privately owned, but that public access to them would be assured.

“I would never come in for a dime of public money if it was closed off to public access,” said Hilgers, who is Speaker of the Legislature.

On Wednesday, after a morning debate, state legislators advanced the bill containing the big lake proposal on a 29-4 vote.

Cavanaugh was among seven senators who were present but not voting on Legislative Bill 1023. He said he was reserving judgment until he saw the amendment ensuring public access, which will be debated during second-round consideration of the bill.

The bill would devote $20 million in state funds to study the feasibility of building the lake, which is roughly estimated to cost $500 million to $1 billion to dredge to a depth of 30 feet. Another $26 million, as proposed in the bill, would be set aside for the construction costs.

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