The Nebraska 4-H Foundation committed $2 million to the Nebraska Community Foundation as a match toward the development of the Sandhills Discovery Center. The available funding is the result of an insurance settlement from the Bovee Fire which destroyed the 4-H camp at Halsey in the Sandhills last fall.
Earlier this year, Senator Mike Jacobson of North Platte was instrumental in securing a $10 million appropriation from the State of Nebraska to initially fund a new vision for the camp. Access to this funding, however, requires one-to-one matching funds. The appropriation will be used toward the Sandhills Discovery project, envisioned as a multipurpose facility that would accommodate campers, educational opportunities and community events.
It is believed that this center would benefit not only 4-H programming, but also economic development in the Sandhills area.
The Nebraska Community Foundation has begun a feasibility study to determine the appropriate plan and additional funding for the project, and it is expected to take three to five years in development and construction.