Gov. Heineman Outlines Stimulus Process

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman today discussed the federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and its potential impact on Nebraska. The Governor has named State Budget Administrator Gerry Oligmueller to coordinate the receipt and expenditure of stimulus funding.

“I plan to give Nebraskans frequent updates on how our state will use funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act,” Gov. Heineman said. “Full accountability and complete transparency is essential.”

According to an estimate produced by the Federal Funds Information for the States for the National Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures, Nebraska is expected to receive approximately $1 billion. The figure represents funding for the state, cities, counties, and individual Nebraskans. During the next several months, federal agencies are expected to notify state officials of the precise amount the State of Nebraska will receive.
[ Photo - Gerry Oligmueller ]

The ARRA involves more than 50 state programs, including: highway infrastructure funding, the drinking water revolving loan fund, state energy programs, home weatherization services, the state fiscal stabilization fund for elementary and secondary education, Title I school improvement grants, special education funding, enhanced Medicaid funding, violence against women grants, a weekly unemployment insurance benefit increase of $25, broadband infrastructure projects, transitional medical assistance, and temporary assistance for needy families.

Gov. Heineman said, “There are areas where we are already moving forward. The process to award state contracts for roads infrastructure has already begun. These projects need to be shovel ready and shovel worthy.”

Total roads infrastructure funding for the State of Nebraska is expected to be $235.6 million, with the State receiving $157.8 million. The city of Omaha will receive $23.2 million, the city of Lincoln $9.4 million, first class cities will receive a total $29.2 million, counties will receive $9 million, and trails and historical preservation projects will receive $7 million. The Department of Roads is working closely with cities and counties, the League of Nebraska Municipalities and the Nebraska Association of County Officials regarding local infrastructure projects. Initial Stimulus Infrastructure Funding Breakdown (pdf)

The Department of Roads is currently advertising construction projects for Syracuse, Thedford, Lexington, Maxwell, Edgar, and two projects in Gilead. The bids total approximately $31 million and will be awarded the week of March 16. The Department of Roads intends to seek bids for additional project every 30 days until all state roads funds are obligated.

In his continued effort to pursue transparency and accountability in government, Gov. Heineman announced the state will launch a Nebraska-specific stimulus Web site in the coming weeks. The federal government has already established an ARRA Web site, http://www.recovery.gov.