Hardin hoping for override of veto on Sentinel infrastructure support funding

Hardin hoping for override of veto on Sentinel infrastructure support funding
District 48 State Sen. Brian Hardin of Gering (Unicameral Update courtesy photo)
May 25th, 2023 | Scott Miller

Among the line-item budget vetoes issued by Governor Pillen Wednesday was $10 million to the Site and Building Development Fund for infrastructure supporting the ground-based nuclear deterrence project near Kimball.

District 48 State Sen. Brian Hardin said it was disappointing to see following his successful effort to get the money added during the budget debate.

The Gering lawmaker says he had talked with Pillen before the veto message was issued, and the Governor’s decision means he’ll be lobbying for a veto override. “Protecting funding for western Nebraska is important, particularly Kimball, and so sometimes leaders have responsibilities that lead them into conflict, and that’s where we are on this one, it’s one of those kinds of fights,” said Hardin. “Anyway, we’ll see the process through and hopefully, we’ll be able to secure some money for Kimball moving forward.”

Hardin says there have been no firm assurances that the U.S. Air Force or the general contractor will be providing funding toward the infrastructure needed to support the additional housing for the Sentinel project workforce. He made the comments Thursday during the Rolls and Issues video conference sponsored by the Scottsbluff-Gering Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to that cut, Pillen also rejected a two-year, $20 million cash transfer into the Rural Workforce Housing fund, and a similar amount into the fund addressing housing needs in more urban parts of the state.

Speaker of the Legislature John Arch has announced that attempt to override the Governor’s vetoes will take place next Wednesday, the 87th day of the 90-day session.

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