Nebraskans hopeful proposed lake between Lincoln and Omaha entices young Nebraskans to stay

On Thursday, Nebraska lawmakers weighed the pros and cons of building a new lake between Omaha and Lincoln.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – On Thursday, Nebraska lawmakers weighed the pros and cons of building a new lake between Omaha and Lincoln.

The proposal is a part of Speaker Mike Hilgers bill, LB 1023 which would invest $200 million into state lake projects.

Nebraskans in rural parts of the state have seen the impacts that other lakes have had on the recreation and tourism industries. They say investing in the state’s lakes is a no-brainer.

“We not only need to grow tourism, but more importantly, we need to attract and retain young people,” Eunice Palu of Friends of Knox County said.

Dan Broz runs an auction-based business, DVAuction Inc. He is concerned about the future of the state if young people keep leaving for opportunities in neighboring states.

“We need more people,” he said. “I would add two people to my staff immediately if I could find those people, and we’re struggling to find them.”

Broz, who lives near Lewis and Clark Lake, and has business offices in Lincoln and Norfolk, believes that providing recreational amenities could help entice some of Nebraska’s younger generation to stay.

“Quality of life allows those people to come to our state and enjoy the recreation that I think this bill will allow to expand on,” Broz said.

Former state senator Al Davis was the lone person to testify against the bill.

His case is simple: The proposal is a waste of money and won’t impact tourism the way people might think.

“The state should ask itself if it is spending $71 million to provide a playground for wealthy Nebraskans when it makes more sense that the investment isn’t going to benefit the average individual,” Davis said. “Despite claims to the contrary this lake is not going to draw tourists from Iowa and other states.”

Speaker Hilgers has said that his proposal to invest in state lakes could have over a $5 billion impact on Nebraska’s economy.

The proposed lake between Omaha and Lincoln would be about 4000 acres.

The bill also calls for upgrades to Lewis and Clark Lake, Lake McConaughy and Niobrara State Park.