AASHTO Journal - Nebraska DOT Touts Benefits from Funding Boost

The Nebraska Department of Transportation recently illustrated the positive statewide impacts made possible by one-time appropriations approved in 2024 by the Nebraska Legislature and Governor Jim Pillen (R).

[Above photo by Nebraska DOT]

During the 2024 legislative session, state policymakers authorized a $70 million allocation to Nebraska DOT to offset inflationary pressures and accelerate the completion of much needed transportation projects. That funding was derived from the federal American Rescue Plan Act and the state’s Jobs and Economic Development Initiative Act through LB 1412.

Vicki Kramer at left with Gov. Pillen. Photo by Nebraska DOT.

“Our agency recognizes the significant commitment of resources dedicated to preserving and enhancing Nebraska’s transportation network and is thankful to Governor Pillen and the lawmakers who supported the investment,” said Vicki Kramer, Nebraska DOT’s director, in a statement. “[That] investment will have a direct impact on the safety of the highway system statewide and through the dedication and hard work of our public servants, meaningful improvements have been made in a relatively short amount of time.”

[Editor’s note: The Nebraska DOT also recently celebrated the opening of the US-6 & 192 Street Diverging Diamond Interchange or DDI. Construction on this $15.3 million project – which began in March 2024 and was paid for by funds from the Build Nebraska Act and the City of Omaha – consisted of reconstructing 192nd Street to a DDI and making repairs on the West Dodge Road bridge over 192^nd Street.]

Highlights of the infrastructure project progress made possible by that 2024 allocation include:

Advancing the US-275 Expressway Corridor: Funds from that one-time allocation, coupled with the use of bonding authority, condensed the schedule to complete the four-lane expansion of US-275. This corridor is vital to the economy and quality of life of northeast Nebraska since it connects the region’s agricultural and manufacturing hubs to major metropolitan markets, as well as the national transportation network.
Preservation of 250-plus miles of state highways: That allocation supported 14 pavement preservation projects located in 23 Nebraska counties, covering nearly 260 miles of state highways. Those projects focused on extending the surface life of existing rural roadways, which improves safety, and reduces annual maintenance costs. Only one of the 14 projects remains under construction – and the remaining project is expected to be completed by year’s end.
Support for Nebraska Infrastructure Hub or I-HUB activities: Launched in 2024, the I-HUB was created to help Nebraska’s local agencies access the unprecedented federal funding made available through the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. I-HUB provides grant pairing tools, technical assistance, and project development support — helping Nebraska communities and counties compete for and secure additional discretionary grants. At last check, the agency said I-HUB had engaged with representatives from all 93 Nebraska counties, while Nebraska DOT staff traveled over 6,800 miles to meet with 316 stakeholders in 15 counties and provided more than 232 hours of direct assistance.

“Investments in Nebraska’s transportation network directly support the vitality of the state,” Kramer added.

“Nebraska DOT, under the leadership of Governor Pillen, is looking forward to continuing its collaboration with the Legislature, Highway Commission, and Infrastructure Review Task Force as our agency examines proven strategies to enhance economic growth through investment in transportation,” she said. “We are committed to ensuring that funds invested in transportation provide a safer, more competitive, and more connected Nebraska.”