Nebraska stands to gain at least $3 billion in federal funding from the recently approved bipartisan infrastructure plan.

President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law last Monday. The $1 trillion infrastructure bill passed with bipartisan support from Republican Sen. Deb Fischer and Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska.

During a Wednesday morning livestream, officials from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Greater Omaha Chamber shared details about how the money will help to address the state’s most pressing needs.

The federal funds are expected to provide Nebraska with:

•Roads: $2.2 billion in highway funding – a 47% increase.

• Bridges: $225 million to replace and repair bridges, of which 9% are in poor condition.

• Broadband Internet: 13% of Nebraskans lack access to high-speed internet. The act will allocate $100 million to the state to upgrade internet access. 

• Drinking/Wastewater: Nebraska has a $1.6 billion drinking water investment gap. The act will provide $358 million to improve water infrastructure across the state.

• Airports: $111 million will be invested in Nebraska’s nine major airports. 

• Resiliency: $16.8 million for fire resiliency and $12.7 million to protect against cyberattacks.

 • Transit: $186 million to improve public transportation options across the state.

Bacon released a statement supporting the bill on Nov. 5, the same day he voted in favor of it. In it, he noted that 70% of his constituents supported the legislation.

“This bill makes our nation stronger and more competitive for years to come,” Bacon said.

Bacon has stated he’s opposed to the larger Build Back Better Act being debated by Congress and that faces a larger hurdle without any Republican support.

“Congress holds the purse, and we owe it to our constituents to remain fiscally conservative with our federal spending. They are the ones who will pick up the tab, and I believe they deserve better,” Bacon said of that proposal.

In a statement, Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb praised the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which is the largest investment in the nation’s public works in a decade.

“Nebraska will receive almost $3 billion to repair roads, bring broadband to rural Nebraska, ensure our water is safe to drink, transition to electric cars and strengthen our public transportation,” Kleeb said. “Democrats believe when you invest in our communities, everyone wins.”