Aug. 14, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — 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.
