LINCOLN — As part of Gov. Jim Pillen’s proposed budget, millions of dollars now devoted to restoring wildlife habitat and local recycling efforts would be diverted for new purposes: aiding campgrounds, marinas, and cabins at state parks. Pillen also would increase money transfers to a water resources fund that finances the management of water use by farmers.

All told, three pending legislative bills — two of which were introduced on behalf of the governor — would earmark nearly all of the state lottery funds now distributed via competitive grants by the Nebraska Environmental Trust. This year, the Trust had about $26 million to distribute in matching grants. Pillen’s two budget bills would earmark $20.5 million of that money for other uses, while another bill seeking funds to combat nitrate contamination of groundwater would take another $5 million.

For the full article click HERE