Nebraska Legislature votes to aid planning and infrastructure in livestock friendly counties

Nebraska counties looking to expand livestock operations could receive extra funds for planning and improving infrastructure under a bill that cleared a first-round vote in the Legislature.

Senators voted 37-0 Monday on a measure by Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala that would funnel $1.5 million to counties approved by the Nebraska director of agriculture as livestock friendly.

Schilz says the measure puts the control in the hand of local authorities to seek out the livestock friendly designation and apply for grants.

During debate, some senators tried to expand the bill to other agricultural operations, with specific emphasis on certified organic food systems. But Schilz says broadening the language could detract from the emphasis on livestock development.

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The bill is LB175