The redevelopment project for Wyuka Cemetery may need more state funds to push the project over the finish line.
In 2022, state lawmakers committed $1.8 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars to refurbish the Wyuka Cemetery pond which serves as the epicenter to Wyuka’s public park, the first public park established in the city of Lincoln.
Wyuka’s pond is in a storm-water run off zone which drains 255 acres of land south of “O” Street. This infrastructural overload prompted the beginning of renovations in 2017, with installation of hard sandstone sides.
However, due to rising labor and material costs, The Wyuka board of trustees is requesting additional state funding to close the gap.
State Senator Robert Dover (representing District 19) made the pitch to lawmakers Monday, on behalf of the Wyuka Board, to allocate an additional $375,000 for the project.
Wyuka Cemetery is the second largest resting place for veterans in the state and is the only state owned cemetery in Nebraska. However, it is not supported by state revenue. All funds for Wyuka come from funeral services.
Also speaking before the Appropriations Committee, Monday, was Facilities Director for Wyuka Greg Osborn.
“The completion of this project will greatly benefit the public,” said Osborn, “By creating a better drainage flow system for the 255 acres that drain through this structure, it will also will help reestablish the beauty of the public park that was the first public park here in Lincoln.”
The Appropriations Committee took no immediate action on LB 1380, but Osborn asked the committee, “To be our cheerleaders when it reaches the floor.”