Nebraska to auction 12,400 acres

In September, the Nebraska Board of Educational Lands and Funds directed that 39 parcels in 24 counties be offered for deed sale at public auction.

The board manages 1.5 million acres of School Trust Lands. Total value of the 12,400 acres to be offered for sale came to $3.4 million.

This action followed the passage of LB 1205 by the 1996 Nebraska Legislature. The bill directed the board to develop a plan for the sale of a significant amount of Nebraska's K-12 State Trust Land.

The bill also made a provision that the decision to sell or retain each parcel of land be based solely on serving the best interests of the schoolchildren.

The September Board meeting was attended by the sponsors of LB 1205, Senator Curt Bromm of Wahoo and Senator Jim Jones of Eddyville. Senator Bromm expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to observe the board's discussion of the process and approval of the upcoming deed sales.

Bromm also complimented the board on their responsible approach to the task of offering the lands for sale, and acting in the best interests of the School Trust in particular and Nebraska's citizens in general.

Each year, as School Land leases expire, the board plans to evaluate which parcels will be offered for deed sale. Although 1997 was an exception, the board hopes to make the deed sale decisions by midsummer of each year.

Those interested in the deed sale can call the Board of Educational Lands and Funds in Lincoln at 402-471-2014.