LINCOLN- A panel of state lawmakers heard from Tom Riley, director of the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources, about the fate of a proposed $1 billion, 4,000-acre recreation lake between Omaha and Lincoln. According to Riley, the state will know by the summer whether or not the project is feasible.

That's when two studies concerning the lake should be completed. Riley spoke to members of the Legislature's special Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability Committee on January 9th, focusing specifically on the progress of LB1023, which authorized $200 million worth of projects to enhance recreation, economic development, and flood control along the lower Platte River.

One report, according to Riley, will determine whether there's even enough fiscal interest in the lake from the state's philanthropic community, with proposals for the lake aiming to be 90% funded by this source. Riley told lawmakers that the project would likely be dropped if another study shows that it would harm or hinder drinking water supplies as well.

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