Update on Stimulus

Statement

Update on Stimulus

By Governor Dave Heineman

Dear Fellow Nebraskans:

Nebraska has begun receiving guidance on how funding included in the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 can be used. Nebraska is expected to receive approximately $1 billion in funding for the state, cities, counties, and individual Nebraskans.

During the next several months, federal agencies will provide more precise amounts and issue guidelines for how these funds are to be spent. We are working with the Legislature and state agencies to ensure Nebraska is ready to move quickly to offset the impact of a slowing economy.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act involves more than 50 state programs, ranging from infrastructure projects such as highway funding and drinking water upgrades to funding for schools and enhanced Medicaid funding. It also includes a weekly unemployment insurance benefit increase of $25.

There are several areas where we are already moving forward. We worked with the Legislature's Appropriations Committee to allocate nearly $40 million in one-time recovery funding to help 41 communities upgrade wastewater and drinking water systems. This $40 million is being combined with $64 million in available revolving loan funds used to support upgrades to water infrastructure.

In addition to environmental cleanup and water quality projects, the state is working with city and county governments to identify shovel-ready roads projects.

Nebraska's share of roads funding is expected to be approximately $235 million. The state's portion is $157 million with first class cities receiving approximately $29 million. Omaha's allocation is $23 million and Lincoln's is $9 million. Counties are receiving $9 million and trails and historical preservation projects will receive $7 million. The Department of Roads is working closely with cities, counties, the League of Nebraska Municipalities, and the Nebraska Association of County Officials to identify and prioritize local infrastructure projects.

The state has launched a website to provide information on Nebraska's stimulus funding. Recovery.Nebraska.gov will be updated regularly as funding is received and new projects are announced in the coming months. The site allows users to sign up for RSS feeds, which allow anyone interested to receive automatic updates as new information is added to the site. Full accountability and complete transparency of how this funding is spent is essential.

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