LINCOLN- State lawmakers were told Monday that restoring funding for a Standing Bear museum and improvements at two large lakes would enhance tourism and economic development and honor “an extraordinary Nebraskan.” Author Joe Starita, whose book about Chief Standing Bear, “I Am a Man,” led to the filming of a Hollywood movie and issuance of a U.S. Postal Service stamp, was among several people urging legislators to restore $14 million in state funding for a museum and cultural center honoring Standing Bear. The funding was cut as part of an effort to close the state’s multi-million dollar budget deficit.

Others testified to restore funds to build an expanded marina on Lewis & Clark Lake in northeast Nebraska and to reverse a cut in funds to improve roads and infrastructure on western Nebraska’s popular Lake McConaughy. Advocates for adding 350 new slips and a visitors center at the Wiegand Marina on Lewis & Clark Lake said the $40 million project has already sparked the construction of new private campgrounds and is key to attracting visitors and new residents. Testifiers said South Dakota — on the north side of the lake — is getting the bulk of tourism dollars spent by the 2 million visitors each year to the reservoir on the Missouri River.

For the full article click HERE