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LINCOLN — An international volleyball event that could come to Omaha and a Nebraska City-based visitors center are recipients of state grants awarded by the Nebraska Tourism Commission.
The two grants, totaling $325,000, were included in the state budget bill approved by the Nebraska Legislature this past session. They’ll be administered through the cash fund budget of the commission, also known as Visit Nebraska.
A full-size replica of a Plains Native American home is among features of the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center in Nebraska City. (Courtesy of the center) Of the total, a $175,000 award is headed to the Omaha Sports Commission to support branding efforts related to a potential FLVB event in 2027, said Jenn Gjerde, Visit Nebraska executive director.
According to the FIVB website, the Women’s Volleyball World Championship is to be held in Anaheim, California — but four additional host cities across the U.S. and Canada have yet to be confirmed for pool play and round of 16 matches.
Omaha is on the short list of potential host cities. Gjerde said if Omaha is not selected, the funds would not be allocated.
She said the commission separately awarded a $50,000 marketing grant earlier this year through its existing tourism grant program for the same volleyball event, which is expected to provide host destinations with major economic returns.
The other grantee is the Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Interpretive Visitor Center in Nebraska City, which will receive $150,000.
The funds are intended to assist with operational needs following the loss of federal funding tied to the three-story facility on nearly 80 acres overlooking the Missouri River. The center features full-sized replicas of the expedition’s keelboat and a Plains Indian earth lodge, along with interactive exhibits and nature trails.
Doug Friedli, executive director of the visitor center, said the organization was grateful for the “bridge” funding that the grant provides as it works on longer-term solutions to fill the gap created by this fiscal year’s loss of federal funding.
