Nebraska’s Largest City Secures $5.15 Million in Federal Grants for Infrastructure Overhaul
Three substantial federal grants have been secured to address the transportation and infrastructure challenges facing Nebraska’s largest city. Central to these efforts is “The Stitch,” a project aimed at reclaiming nearly 20 acres of land currently isolated by an interstate and highway.
The Stitch targets the area around U.S. 75’s ramps, specifically near 30th and Dodge streets, with funding recently bolstered by a $1 million contribution from the U.S. Department of Transportation. This development was outlined in the Omaha Chamber’s 20-year plan for the city.
Plans for the project include merging two off-ramps into a single ramp parallel to the interstate, which would connect at Dodge Street through a new four-way intersection. Additionally, an existing on-ramp will be eliminated, with traffic redirected to an upgraded two-lane on-ramp at Harney Street.
Vicki Kramer, Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) director, noted the potential uses for the recovered land, stating it could accommodate “everything from affordable housing to new business development.”
Details of the funding were revealed during a presentation by Kramer, alongside Gov. Jim Pillen, Federal Highway Administrator Sean McMaster, and Omaha Mayor John Ewing. The event took place at Physicians Mutual, overlooking the proposed site for The Stitch.
The state has also received two $1 million IFAC grants to conduct an “asset scan” on nine Omaha-metro projects and the I-80 corridor between Omaha and Lincoln, examining The Stitch’s financial feasibility.
Additionally, a $1.15 million Regional Infrastructure Accelerator Grant will support the Accelerating Critical Connections for Elevating Livability in Nebraska Program, and $2 million was awarded in collaboration with the Omaha-Council Bluffs Metropolitan Area Planning Agency under the Prioritization Process Pilot Program.
Gov. Pillen emphasized the significance of these grants, describing them as a pivotal step toward “transformative infrastructure.” He stated, “So this city continues to keep growing and being the top city in America, the safest place in America to live,” highlighting the importance of infrastructure to facilitate growth and prosperity.
