Federal funding secured to fix section of I-80 in south-central Nebraska

KSNB

HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – Federal funding has been secured for a heavily traveled section of I-80 in south-central Nebraska.

U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced Wednesday that $21,172,718 in federal funding he helped to secure for the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) will go to reconstructing approximately 9 miles of eastbound Interstate 80 between Odessa and Kearney. These Multimodal Project Discretionary Grants from the Department of Transportation (DOT) will also allow for the replacement of a rural bridge over Interstate 80 in the affected area.

“Interstate 80 is essential to moving people across our state,” Ricketts said, “it’s also a critical freight corridor for our nation’s supply chain and Nebraska’s infrastructure and economy. When completed, this reconstruction will improve farm-to-market operations and promote economic development in rural Nebraska. I was pleased to see DOT respond to our letter of support and fund this important project in our state.”

In October, Senator Ricketts sent a letter of support for the project to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. He also reiterated his support in a phone call with Secretary Buttigieg.

In 2021, Senator Deb Fischer voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and in August, she also sent a letter of support to Secretary Pete Buttigieg.

“I was proud to vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support Nebraska’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects. Nebraska continues to see a return on that investment, as our state will now receive $21.1 million to support bridge construction and other improvements to I-80–an essential thoroughfare that connects families and businesses from across the state,” said Senator Fischer.

Article Linked Here