(Lincoln, Neb.) Nebraska's first statewide Agri-Tourism Workshop has been postponed due to inclement weather, Gov. Dave Heineman announced today.

The Governor was preparing to host the state workshop on agriculturally themed tourism Tuesday, Nov. 29, in Kearney. Significant snowfall and ice have altered the safety of hosting a statewide event. The Nebraska State Patrol is advising against unnecessary travel during the winter storm. The State Patrol has closed sections of Interstate 80 between Kearney and North Platte. The event is being rescheduled for early 2006.

"Given the uncertainties of winter storm conditions today in the central, western and northern parts of our state, we felt it was best to reschedule the conference," Gov. Heineman said. "We are looking for an alternate date that gives Nebraskans the necessary time to make travel arrangements, likely in January or February."

The Travel and Tourism Division at the Nebraska Department of Economic Development will be working with the Nebraska Department of Agriculture and private partners to make arrangements for speakers and offerings on the new date.

At this point, the rescheduled conference is expected to take place at its original location in Kearney, the Holiday Inn at 110 Second Ave. An announcement regarding the new date and time will be made as soon as the information is available.

Dan Curran, director of the Tourism Division, said, "Our primary concern is for the safety of the people who planned to attend the workshop. We knew that a number of our speakers and registrants would need to be traveling on Monday, and, given the weather forecast, we felt it was best for everyone involved to cancel the event and reschedule to a later date. We will be working quickly to establish a new date. This will be an excellent event with outstanding presenters, and we want to impact as many people as possible."