VALENTINE, Neb. — The Niobrara Council could see a reduction in state funding following the loss of federal support, according to information shared during the council’s December meeting.

Council Executive Director Kalli Kieborz told board members she received a letter from Nebraska Game and Parks advising agencies to prepare for a possible 5% reduction in funding. The potential cut would apply across the department and is not specific to the Niobrara Council.

Kieborz said a 5% reduction would mean the council would receive more than $2,600 less in state funding.

The possible state cut comes as the council has already lost funding through cooperative agreements with the National Park Service. As News Channel Nebraska has previously reported, the NPS typically provides the council with $100,000 annually through a cooperative agreement. However, the final $20,000 payment from last year was not issued, and the council did not receive this year’s $100,000 after concerns were raised by the state auditor over mishandled funds, along with NPS budget cuts.

During the December meeting, David Thomson with the National Park Service told the council that cooperative agreements exceeding $50,000 have become increasingly difficult to secure and pass a Department of the Interior review. Thomson encouraged the council to pursue smaller, task-specific agreements that clearly outline how funds would be used.

Thomson also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the council and the NPS in managing the Niobrara National Scenic River.

“It’s not an us-or-them situation. It’s about making the area better for the next generation,” Thomson said.

Earlier this year, a group pushed for a legislative study, LR158, to examine whether Nebraska should assume control of the 76-mile Niobrara corridor, which would remove the National Park Service as the lead agency. The legislative hearing for that study was later canceled.

Thomson said the NPS continues to encourage partnerships and cooperation. He also told the council the agency is prioritizing the hiring of seasonal employees following a wave of early retirements.

Thomson introduced Travis Connot as the new acting site manager and superintendent for the Niobrara National Scenic River in Valentine as the search for a permanent superintendent continues. Connot said the NPS plans to hire five seasonal interpretation staff, with three former employees returning to fill some of those roles. He also said the agency is hiring a resource lead technician and a technician, positions that have existed in the past.

Thomson told the council the National Park Service is operating on a month-to-month basis and currently only knows it has funding through Jan. 30.

Meanwhile, the Niobrara Council’s financial position has declined over the past year. A June 30 financial statement showed the council ended the most recent fiscal year with $122,324.51, down from $206,187.96 at the start of the fiscal year.

The council also cut 1.5 positions this year. Kieborz is now the only remaining employee and is working part time instead of full time. During the last legislative session, the council requested additional state funding, but the request was not approved.