Gov. Heineman & Mayor Stothert Highlight "Build Nebraska" Progress

Press Release

Today, Governor Dave Heineman and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert highlighted the positive outcomes of the "Build Nebraska Act" for the citizens of Omaha, and the state. The Governor and Mayor were joined by Nebraska Department of Roads Director Randy Peters and Omaha City Engineer Todd Pfitzer to provide an update on progress of the Build Nebraska Act projects in Omaha.

In 2011, Gov. Heineman signed LB 84, titled the Build Nebraska Act, into law. As a result, beginning July 1, 2013, funding could be shared from existing sales tax at a rate of one-quarter of one percent is shared with the State Department of Roads (85%) and the cities and counties (15%).

"The Build Nebraska Act is having a positive impact throughout the state and benefits our citizens and travelers in Nebraska," said Gov. Heineman. "Prior to the Build Nebraska Act, the focus of our roads program had been on asset preservation of our current roads and bridges. That left hardly any funds for much-needed capital improvement projects. This year, there have been new highway improvement projects underway during the 2014 construction season and that is good news."

"The Governor's commitment to public safety is apparent with the improvements made on the interstates around Omaha and the state highways through the city. We are grateful for the state funding that has made major projects possible, especially the resurfacing of Dodge Street from downtown to Westroads," said Mayor Stothert.

Three projects in Omaha, I-80 Eastbound between 126th and 96th Street, I-80 Westbound between I-480 and 60th Street, and I-680 Northbound between Center and Pacific Streets are either already open to traffic or will be shortly.

Department of Roads Director Randy Peters said, "We are so gratified at the Department of Roads to be able to have under construction, several highway projects we have needed on our system for a long time. We are equally pleased these three projects in Omaha could be delivered already this year."

"As always, the focus remains on improving safety, delivering projects and taking care of the State's transportation assets. This we continue to do while taking care of the natural environment, bringing mobility to the traveler, implementing good fiscal management and working together with Nebraska highway users. Nebraska is on the move, and we want this momentum to continue," Director Peters added.

Projects included in the Build Nebraska efforts are statewide. Additional projects are underway or planned for several areas including Lincoln, Kearney, Fremont, Nebraska City, Murray, as well as a portion of the Heartland Expressway in the Alliance area.

The Build Nebraska efforts include 17 capital improvement projects over a 10-year period, divided into three tiers. Projects are planned for Fiscal Years 2014-2015, FY 2016-2019 and FY 2020-2023, and are expected to total more than $790 million when completed. Tier 1 is expected to total approximately $155 million. The Omaha projects discussed today are included in Tier 1 and represent approximately $30 million of that funding. Tier 2 projects are an expected total of approximately $305 million, with Tier 3 at approximately $331 million.

A complete list of projects is available on the Nebraska Department of Roads website at: www.transportation.nebraska.gov/lb-84

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