Nebraska lawmakers have given second round approval to a water sustainability measure that triples the amount the state currently spends on water projects. Nebraska Cattlemen’s Legislative Director Laura Field says they’re pleased with the measure that calls for spending $ 11 million annually.

Field says it’s good that LB 1098 calls for a scoring system to award grants for conservation of water supplies for livestock consumption, irrigation, industrial uses, wildlife habitat and recreation and drinking water protection. She also says it’s good the state committed to funding the measure through the cash and general funds.

The legislation also calls for expansion of the Natural Resources Commission to include 27members that would dole out funds and review applications.