LINCOLN — Nebraska officials expect to receive nearly $200 million from the federal government, which they're planning to devote to expanding broadband internet access across the state. 

Gov. Pete Ricketts announced multiple pools of federal funding coming to Nebraska at a press conference Wednesday. Ricketts described broadband as "basic infrastructure" that is crucial to improving the lives of residents and the state as a whole. 

"When we have it, we can expand," Ricketts said. 

Last week, the U.S. Department of Treasury approved $87.7 million for Nebraska to increase broadband internet access to an estimated 21,000 homes and businesses. The funding was outlined for this purpose in Legislative Bill 1024, which state lawmakers passed earlier this year, and is designated for Nebraska’s 1st and 3rd Congressional Districts.