LINCOLN, Neb. - Faced with budget cuts from the National Park Service (NPS), the Niobrara Council is turning to the state for financial support. On Monday, Executive Director Kalli Kieborz and Chair Wade Hollenbeck testified before the Nebraska Legislature’s Appropriations Committee, warning that the council’s future is at risk.

“We feel that we can make it to the end of the fiscal year, but funding in the next biennium is going to be an issue,” Kieborz told lawmakers.

As News Channel Nebraska previously reported, the NPS has traditionally provided the council with $100,000 annually through a cooperative agreement. However, the final $20,000 from last year was never paid, and this year’s $100,000 remains in limbo after concerns were raised by the state auditor over mishandled funds and now NPS budget cuts.

“If this dissolves because of lack of funding, it worries me that we’ll have overreach of the federal government,” Hollenbeck testified.

The Niobrara Council, which helps oversee the Niobrara Scenic River corridor, was established by the Nebraska Legislature in 2000. Despite its state origins, Nebraska’s contribution has remained stagnant at around $50,000 per year since its creation.

“We’re your watchdog up there in north-central Nebraska. If we dissolve and don’t have the funding to keep going, there will be more people down here to see you,” Hollenbeck testified.

Both Hollenbeck and Kieborz told lawmakers that they’ve already made significant cuts, including eliminating its education program and a staff position.

“Education went from Valentine, Springview, Ainsworth and Bassett through after-school programs, weekend camps, and overnight camps,” said Hollenbeck. “Niobrara Council has canoes, tents and everything else, and we don’t have enough money to have these programs.”

Some Appropriations Committee members questioned whether the council could seek additional funding through private donations or fees from tourists.