Nebraska is set to accelerate major transportation projects after reaching a new agreement with the federal government aimed at cutting regulatory delays.
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The Federal Highway Administration has finalized an agreement with the state of Nebraska that allows state officials to take on key responsibilities under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), streamlining environmental reviews for projects led by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the move as part of a broader effort by the U.S. Department of Transportation to reduce what officials describe as unnecessary federal bureaucracy in infrastructure development.
"Nebraska is building again thanks to President Trump," said Secretary 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."
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), Nebraska will assume certain federal environmental review duties, giving the state more direct control over timelines and approvals. Officials say this approach is designed to eliminate duplication between state and federal oversight while maintaining compliance with environmental standards.
Nebraska becomes the third state to join this partnership model. Last summer, Secretary Duffy signed a renewed NEPA MOU with the Texas Department of Transportation, and last month, the FHWA Administrator signed a NEPA Assignment MOU with the Maine Department of Transportation.
DOT said the Memorandum of Understanding will give Nebraska more flexibility to better manage their future transportation projects, get shovels in the ground sooner and reduce completion times for projects already underway.
Several high-profile projects across the state are expected to move forward more efficiently under the new framework.
One of the most significant is the Lincoln East Beltway project — the final planned segment of a beltway around the city of Lincoln first envisioned in the 1970s. The four-lane freeway will extend from the eastern end of the South Bypass (NE-2) and connect to Interstate 80 near Waverly, improving regional traffic flow and long-term development capacity.
Another key initiative is the US-75 Corridor Study from N-370 to Interstate 80. The project will improve approximately six miles of US-75 from Interstate 80 in Omaha south to N-370 in Bellevue. Plans include reconstruction of mainline pavement and structures, enhanced traffic operations and safety upgrades, and improvements to seven interchanges serving the south Omaha metro area, including Bellevue, Capehart, La Platte and Offutt Air Force Base.
The Interstate 480 Corridor Study, covering Interstate 80 to Harney Street, aims to improve mobility and reduce congestion in central Omaha, where heavy traffic volumes and recurring operational issues have created delays and safety concerns.
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In Beatrice, the Court Street Access and Safety Transformation Project will reroute US-136 one block south to Market Street. Officials say shifting truck and through traffic away from Court Street will enhance pedestrian safety in the downtown business district and create new redevelopment opportunities. The Department of Transportation executed a $21 million grant agreement for the Beatrice project Monday as part of its efforts to move cut red tape and projects forward as quickly as possible.
State and federal leaders argue that faster environmental reviews will not weaken safeguards but instead modernize processes that have historically delayed infrastructure investments for years.
With the agreement now in place, Nebraska transportation officials are expected to begin implementing the updated review procedures immediately, potentially accelerating project timelines across the state and setting a precedent for additional states to follow.
Originally reported by Joji Xavier in Rtt News.
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