Nebraska Governor, Secretary Duffy agree to streamline review process for infrastructure projects

The Governor of Nebraska and the US Transportation Secretary have reached an agreement that will streamline the review process for infrastructure projects in an attempt to eliminate delays. 

The agreement was made through the Federal Highway Administration and will hand all environmental review responsibilities to the Nebraska Department of Transportation under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Under NEPA, states are responsible and liable for the entire review process regarding environmental impact and decisions. This new agreement gives Nebraska full responsibility for all such reviews for future transportation projects in the state, reported the Government of Nebraska.

“President Trump and Secretary Duffy are making great efforts to empower states by allowing decisions to be made at the local level — cutting through layers of over-the-top, environmental regulation,” said Gov. Pillen. “For decades, bureaucrats have delayed or blocked critical infrastructure projects. But today, the Nebraska Department of Transportation can streamline government, accelerate timelines, and increase affordability as we continue to build our state’s future. This agreement reflects our partnership up and down the Trump Administration as we continue to deliver results for Nebraskans.”

“Nebraska is building again thanks to President Trump,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Today’s agreement removes unnecessary federal red tape — ensuring more major infrastructure projects are built on time and on budget. I hope to see other states follow Nebraska’s lead so we can get shovels in the ground sooner and continue delivering results for the American people.”

“Burdensome reviews and approvals by Washington have slowed progress on road and highway improvements in Nebraska and across the country,” said FHWA Administrator Sean McMaster. “Now NDOT, the agency that knows Nebraska’s transportation needs best, will be able to take on additional NEPA responsibilities and ensure projects like the Lincoln East Beltway are completed in less time and at less cost to taxpayers.”

“I want to thank Secretary Duffy and Administrator McMaster for their leadership and commitment to empowering states to deliver transportation projects more efficiently,” said NDOT Director Kramer. “I am incredibly proud of the NDOT team and grateful for the support of Governor Pillen and our federal partners as we work to deliver critical infrastructure improvements more effectively for Nebraskans.”

Since the agreement, NDOT has already announced major projects to improve roadways, reported ABC 7. In the Omaha Metro area, these include improvements on the South Kennedy Freeway from Interstate 80 to Highway 370, and improved traffic flow and safety on Interstate 480 from I-80 to Harney Street. Other projects included in the announcement  are Lincoln East Beltway and the City of Beatrice’s Court Street access and safety.