February 11, 2022

There is a proposal before the legislature this session to fund the Statewide Tourism and Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability (STAR WARS) project. This project proposes to build a lake between Lincoln and Omaha. It also intends to fund projects in other parts of the state, including Lake McConaughy and the Lewis and Clark State Recreation Area.

After learning of the specifics of this proposal, I was disappointed that some of the other large lakes in the state were left out. Since it is important to support tourism at other lakes that have been affected by the pandemic, I have proposed a bill, LB 1262, to include projects at the next four largest lakes in the state (lakes at least 3,000 but no more than 20,000 surface acres in size). These include Harlan County Reservoir (13,250 acres), Calamus Reservoir (5,200 acres), Swanson Reservoir (5,000 acres) and Sutherland Reservoir (3,017 acres).

As a child, I fondly remember going to Harlan County Lake with my grandfather and also with my family on fishing expeditions. Harlan County Lake was the closest thing to an ocean that I was able to experience at that time. Later as a youth and as a young man, I enjoyed visiting the lake and water skiing.

On Tuesday, February 3^rd, my bill was heard before the Natural Resources Committee. I was pleased that several letters from the Harlan County area had been submitted in support of the bill. I was especially pleased that Cindy Boehler, chairman of the Harlan County Board of Supervisors, as well as Emily White, Harlan County Tourism Director, were able to testify in person.

LB 1262 asks for 8 million dollars of ARPA (federal COVID-19 relief) funds to administer and carry out the following projects at eligible recreation areas in the state:

• Provide new or refurbished boating docks;
• Improve access roads and related infrastructure;
• Improve Internet access and telecommunications services;
• Promote the use of the recreation area and related tourism attractions; including, but not limited to, splash pads, dog parks, and dog runs;
• Create recreational trails;
• Promote fishing and create fish cleaning stations;
• Create tourist attractions;
• Create kayak landings; and
• Create and improve camping and recreational vehicle sites.

These types of projects are comparable to the projects envisioned for Lake McConaughy and Lewis and Clark Lake, although on a smaller scale.

The travel, tourism and hospitality businesses associated with these recreational areas have suffered negative economic consequences as a result of the pandemic and the projects identified in LB 1262 would assist in making these recreation areas more attractive to visitors, thus boosting those businesses that have suffered. Such projects are reasonably related to the negative economic impact and will provide an incentive for people to visit the recreation areas by expanding and improving water access and recreational opportunities.

Additionally, because of the pandemic and a trend towards a remote workforce, individuals are reconsidering where they want to live and raise a family. Funding these projects will not only help the businesses that have suffered but also make these areas more attractive places to those considering moving to rural communities, such as Harlan County and the surrounding area in Nebraska and Kansas.

I welcome any comments, questions or ideas you may have on this or any other issue.  Please feel free to email me at dmurman@leg.ne.gov or call my office at 402-471-2732.