LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — After struggling through major droughts and legal battles over water rights, Nebraska is moving forward with an effort to keep the state's water drinkable and abundant.
The Nebraska Natural Resources Commission tapped the state's new water sustainability fund for the first time in April, awarding nearly $11.5 million to 16 projects throughout the state. The next round of applications runs July 16 through 31.
Lawmakers created the fund in 2014 and approved an initial $29 million investment, followed by $11 million a year. The money helps local governments deal with floods, water shortages and water quality issues. Senators also expanded the Nebraska Natural Resources Commission from 16 to 27 members.
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