S.T.A.R.W.A.R.S. Public hearing offers Niobrara a chance to share ideas

NIOBRARA -- S.T.A.R.W.A.R.S: That's the acronym for the Nebraska State Legislature’s 'Statewide Tourism And Recreational Water Access and Resource Sustainability Special Committee.' The group held a public hearing in Niobrara on Wednesday at the Niobrara State Park Lodge, where at least 20 local leaders and residents shared their concerns or visions for the future of the northeast Nebraska region. 

S.T.A.R.W.A.R.S hopes hearings like this will help them learn about local challenges; find public investment opportunities; and help create a vision for Nebraska's future environment.

For many of those in Niobrara, that vision requires more tourism attractions and accessibility for boats (or boat slips/parking). Niobrara currently has a wait list for boat slips that some residents said takes years to finally land a spot. 

District-40 Senator Tim Gragert (R) said his constituents are craving to compete with Yankton, South Dakota's tourism industry. 

"What I'm taking away from this meeting is the enthusiasm," he said. He and the other committee members, including Sen. Anna Wishart (D-27) and Sen. Mike Flood (R-19) asked the testifiers what it would take for northeast Nebraska to do as well as Yankton, population, and economy-wise. Some pointed to the fact that Yankton has more hiking and nature paths, while others noted Niobrara does have cheaper taxes on some items like cigarettes. The residents are hoping that more restaurants, entrepreneurship, and amenities would aid in the path to success. Some speakers even brought forward designs for hiking trails; or brochures with possible activities such as parasailing.

"It's about getting individuals to spend a weekend here," Gragert said.

But, scenery and tourism weren't the only things on people's minds.

Ponca Tribe Chairman Larry Wright showed up to support Niobrara's growth. "If you're not at the dinner table you're on the menu," he joked, noting the importance of the Tribe participating in these discussions. Wright noted how Ponca has invested in local communities with its developments. 

Meanwhile, Crofton Volunteer Fire Department brought its plea for a station satellite. Assistant Fire Chief Michael Gunther said he's been trying to actualize a satellite station so that they can reach emergencies faster -- but water supply is a constant obstacle.

Gunther also seconded concerns about the dangers of Highway 81, which echoed many sentiments about the dangers of the infrastructure in northeast Nebraska. Later, a mother pointed out her son had almost died on his school bus on that highway, since passing vehicles is so risky on the two-lane expressway. 

S.T.A.R.W.A.R.S chair Mike Hilgers of Knox County shared the next steps will be to take these ideas to the legislature in a few months.

"Combine these with what we see around the country [...] we don't know what [those ideas] will be yet," he said, hopeful that it will mean a lot of growth for the region.

Other committee members believe the biggest challenge will be getting other senators in the legislature on board with the ideas they bring forward.