CONTACT:

Sheila Johnson
Public Information Officer, Nebraska Environmental Trust
Phone: (402) 471-5409
Fax: (402) 471-8233
sheila.johnson@nebraska.gov

Press Release: Nebraska Environmental Trust Invites Comments on 2010 Preliminary Rank Order List

Lincoln, NE – February 10, 2010 – At its meeting in Lincoln on February 4, 2010, the board of the Nebraska Environmental Trust recommended the funding of 88 projects for a total of $14,970,328 in grant awards. Of these, 32 are carry-over projects. The Trust received a total 142 applications requesting over $54 million compared to $26 million two years ago. This is the 17th year of grants from the Trust, which has provided over $142 million dollars in lottery revenue to preserve and protect the air, water and land of our state. This is the second highest amount requested in the history of the Trust. The highest amount of $58,935,806.20 was requested in 1999.

As part of the grant making process, the Trust is seeking public input on the proposed grants before announcing final awards on April 1, 2010. A list of all recommended grants and project information is available on the Trust website at: www.environmentaltrust.org or by contacting the Trust office. Written public comments will be accepted until March 31, 2010 at the Nebraska Environmental Trust, P.O. Box 94913, Lincoln NE 68509-4913 or via email at: lisa.beethe@nebraska.gov . Please include your name, address and organizations (if applicable) and be sure to reference the project name and number in your correspondence. Comments can also be presented in person during a public hearing on April 1, 2010. The meeting begins at 1:30 pm with the public hearing starting at 1:45 pm at the Ferguson House, 700 South 16th Street, Lincoln NE.

The Nebraska Legislature created the Nebraska Environmental Trust in 1992. Using the revenue from the Nebraska Lottery, the Trust has provided grants to 1143 projects across the state. Anyone can apply – citizens, conservation organizations, communities, businesses and individuals that want to protect Nebraska’s natural habitat, improve water quality and quantity or find ways to manage our waste. The Nebraska Environmental Trust works to preserve, protect and restore our natural resources for future generations.

For more information, you may contact Ms Sheila Johnson at 402- 471-1714.

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