Governor Jim Pillen (R) (above) recently visited five Nebraska communities via a “fly-around tour” to share his vision making the state stronger and more resilient through targeted transportation and broadband infrastructure investments.
[Above photo by Nebraska DOT]
The governor was accompanied on this fly-around tour by Vicki Kramer, director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation; K.C. Belitz, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development; and Patrick Haggerty, the new director of the Office of Broadband, which was established within the Nebraska DOT by the governor’s Executive Order No. 23-02.
The fly-around tour comes on the heels of the release of Nebraska DOT’s Surface Transportation Program for fiscal year 2024, which outlines more than $758 million in construction projects across the state as well as projects programmed for development from 2025 through 2029.
“Born and raised in rural Nebraska, I understand how mobility and accessibility are cornerstones to connection in our communities. From commuting safely on our roads to taking online college courses to expanding a brick-and-mortar business to having an online shop, it’s all a part of how Nebraska must continue to grow through connectivity,” said Gov. Pillen in a statement.
“Our state highway network has seen significant progress over the last decade, but we still have work to do. We must do better to get reliable high-speed internet,” he added. “A connected Nebraska is a thriving Nebraska, and the Broadband Office – supported by Nebraska DOT – will provide the strategic and coordinated approach to deployment, bringing vital services to rural Nebraska and its local economies.”
The governor said Nebraska’s state roads are critical to preserving the “Good Life” across the state as they serve as “the backbone of our economy.”
Gov. Pillen explained that the projects in Nebraska DOT’s Surface Transportation Program are not only intended to address crucial components to infrastructure, such as preserving existing roads and bridges and modernizations – they’re also crucial in improving safety, support farm to market needs and enhancing quality of life.
“Nebraskans understand the importance of a reliable transportation network,” said Nebraska DOT’s Kramer.
“The projects selected for construction in the 2024 Surface Transportation Program represents the states dedication to maintaining our roadways through asset preservation as well as large scale capital improvement projects to support continued economic growth to grow Nebraska,” she added. “[These] investments enhance connectivity while supporting safety and increased economic opportunity.”
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