Conservation program for at-risk youth approved

Lawmakers gave final approval May 11 to a bill creating a conservation program for at-risk youth.

LB549, introduced by Omaha Sen. Brenda Council, creates the Nebraska Youth Conservation Program to be administered by the state Game and Parks Commission. The program will employ at-risk youth between the ages of 16 and 21 to contribute to projects that conserve or develop natural resources and enhance land and water under the commission’s jurisdiction.

Special effort will be given to select youth who reside in rural and urban high-poverty areas. Program participants will be paid at least minimum wage.

The program is supported by a transfer of $994,400 from the State Settlement Cash Fund to the newly created Nebraska Youth Conservation Program Fund.

Lawmakers passed LB549 on a 44-0 vote.