LINCOLN – The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) announced the launch of the state’s first-ever intergovernmental entity focused on empowering state and local public agencies in competing for federal discretionary grants. The Nebraska Infrastructure Hub aligns Governor Pillen’s vision of increasing Nebraska’s competitiveness for federal funding with providing support to state and local partners to, more confidently, navigate the challenges of the application and administration processes.
“The activation of the Infrastructure Hub is the major first-step in keeping our promise to provide robust support to our local partners,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “This platform supports a One Nebraska approach to enabling the state to develop infrastructure projects of regional significance. Technical assistance will be available from development and grant application through project delivery, ensuring once funding is awarded projects are ready to swiftly move forward.”
The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) of 2021, also known as the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), introduced federal discretionary funding opportunities never seen before. The Hub offers comprehensive resources and expert guidance to help communities navigate the competitive grant application process, which can be complex. Through technical assistance from NDOT, the Hub will support communities from initial application through project administration, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and deadlines.
Other key components of the Hub include a Grant Pairing Portal to match projects with suitable grants and a Project Development Support team, staffed by two full-time members, who provide personalized assistance and feedback on draft proposals. The program also facilitates partnerships and networking opportunities, offers technical support through on-call consultants to enhance proposals, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation of grant-funded projects to ensure compliance and success.
The establishment of the Nebraska Infrastructure Hub represents a proactive approach to advancing infrastructure development and enhancing transportation systems within the state. By centralizing decision-making, promoting transparency, and fostering collaboration, the Hub will play a pivotal role in accelerating the delivery of critical infrastructure projects and driving sustainable economic growth and prosperity across Nebraska communities.
Local agencies can learn more by visiting the Nebraska Infrastructure Hub website: ndot.info/infrastructure.