April 22, 2009 – Today, Nebraska’s Senator Ben Nelson announced that the United States Department of Interior (DOI) will provide $179,000 to Nebraska to improve and rehabilitate it’s national parks and monuments as a part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
 
“Nebraska is blessed to have such a rich and vibrant natural heritage,” said Senator Nelson. “It is up to each generation of Nebraskans to protect and preserve this beautiful inheritance for the generations to come. These funds will provide jobs for hard-working Nebraskans who will help sustain these treasures for our children and grandchildren. ”
 
The funds will be directed towards two sites in the state of Nebraska: Agate Fossil Beds National Monument and Scotts Bluff National Monument. Agate Fossil Beds National Monument contains one of the most complete and well-preserved Miocene mammal fossil sites in the world, which have been dated at about 20 million years old. The Agate Fossil Beds National Monument will utilize the $68,000 provided by the DOI to replace the roof of its Visitor Center. Scotts Bluff National Monument, a historic landmark on both the Oregon and Mormon Trails, will receive $111,000 for various improvements.
 
Senator Nelson played a key role in the passage of the $787 billion stimulus bill. He worked with a bipartisan group of nearly 20 Senators to better focus The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act on tax cuts for the middle class and job creation for millions of Americans. Senator Nelson led the group through the initial bill line by line, dollar by dollar, to reduce spending and cut out $108 billion of inefficient or less-stimulative spending. The bipartisan group helped the improved bill win congressional approval. President Obama signed it into law February 17, 2009.
   
  Senator Nelson is posting information about the release of stimulus finds on his website as it becomes available.  Visit http://bennelson.senate.gov/issues/stimulus/index.cfm for more information.

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