(AP) — Members of a state water task force have proposed $50 million in yearly funding for water sustainability projects in Nebraska.

The measure introduced Wednesday by Sen. Tom Carlson was inspired by a series of task force meetings over the summer. The group was formed to find ways to ensure a sustainable water supply for drinking, crop irrigation, wildlife and interstate water compacts.

The funding would begin in October 2015. Carlson says the funding is important to help Nebraska develop a long-term plan to conserve more water for drought years.