Expansion of community financing act advanced

Senators advanced a bill from general file March 14 that would expand the purpose of the Civic and Community Center Financing Act.

LB153, introduced by Fullerton Sen. Annette Dubas, would increase the types of projects that would qualify for funding under the act to include:
• construction, renovation or expansion of recreation centers;
• demolition of substandard and abandoned buildings for construction, renovation or expansion of civic or recreation centers; or
• engineering and technical studies directly related to these projects.

Dubas said there has been a lack of qualified projects and grants approved for use of the fund.

“We have more and more money coming in to the fund,” she said. “It’s going to be very important to make our communities aware that these funds are available.”

Scottsbluff Sen. John Harms spoke in support of the bill, saying it is vital to rural Nebraska.

“For the first time, we can have an opportunity to see some really excellent things happen for rural Nebraska,” Harms said. “Being able to remodel and increase these centers fosters interaction, communication and growth in our communities.”

Omaha Sen. Steve Lathrop also supported the bill. He said it represents a cooperative effort by the entire Legislature.

“This is an example of rural and urban senators getting together and doing good for all areas of our state,” he said.

Following the adoption of a technical amendment on a 36-0 vote, senators voted to advance the bill to select file on a 35-0 vote.