Bacon Announces Nebraska Priorities Included in Bipartisan FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations

Washington – Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) today announced that more than $21 million for several key Nebraska projects and funding priorities were included in the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) section of the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act.

Rep. Bacon joined in the overwhelming 341-88 House vote to pass the minibus on January 22, which now heads to the Senate for consideration. Several of Rep. Bacon’s key priorities were included in the legislation. Such priorities include funding requests to modernize transportation infrastructure, improve roadway and pedestrian safety, upgrade water and sewer systems, strengthen stormwater management, and major investments in the continued expansion of Eppley Airfield.

“I am pleased to announce that this bipartisan appropriations package includes more than $21 million for priorities across the district. A major focus is the continued investment at Eppley Airfield, which is transforming Omaha’s front door and positioning our region to meet the needs of a growing metropolitan area, including expanded air service and international travel,” said Rep. Bacon. “The package also includes investments in safer roads and bridges, upgraded water and sewer infrastructure, and community development projects. I thank Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole and THUD Subcommittee Chairman Steve Womack for their leadership and bipartisan cooperation in advancing this legislation and ensuring these important Nebraska projects were included.”

Nebraska projects included in the THUD section of the FY26 Consolidated Appropriations Act:

Title: Improvements at Eppley Airfield

Recipient: Omaha Airport Authority

Amount: $7,000,000 (Requested: $10,000,000)

Description: The Eppley Airfield Build OMA program includes enhancements to the terminal, roadway, airfield, and supporting infrastructure of Eppley Airfield. Terminal Modernization Program will be completed in multiple phases and includes a new central utility plant, additional aircraft gates, consolidated security checkpoint, a unified concourse, a federal inspection services facility for international arrivals, and new baggage systems. An important element of the Terminal Modernization Program is relocating ticketing to the second level of the terminal where there is a new consolidated security screening checkpoint located in the center of the terminal.  Access to the second level for ticketing and the checkpoint will be provided through covered overhead pedestrian walkways, spanning the roadway, and with added vertical circulation.

Title: Omaha Urban Core Renewal Phase 2

Recipient: City of Omaha, Nebraska

Amount: $3,500,000 (Requested: $10,000,000)

Description: This Urban Renewal project will provide pedestrian pathways, bicycle route connectivity, stormwater management, utility relocation, landscaped areas, parking relocation, and will add approximately 1.5 acres of green space to the urban core. This project will replace and/or improve 3.5 acres of streets and alleys. Lighting will be improved, and sidewalks will be repaired, replaced, or widened to improve safety and walkability. The streetscape portion of this project envisions improvements to pedestrian safety on 20th Street between Cuming Street and Cass Street. This project will improve pedestrian safety by slowing traffic and improving pedestrian crossing locations in a heavy pedestrian traffic area. Vehicular traffic control measures (such as improved pedestrian crossings and center-planted medians with areas of refuge) will slow speeds, providing a main street experience. Bus shelters and bike lanes will be added to encourage multimodal travel and transit-oriented development.  

Title: 38th Street Viaduct in Omaha

Recipient: Nebraska Department of Transportation

Amount: $5,000,000 (Requested: $6,000,000)

Description: Funding would be used for the construction of a viaduct, replacing the existing structure, which is essential to regional mobility and economic resilience. The project includes replacement of an 87-year-old viaduct that supports regional and national freight. Structure is deteriorating to include sidewalk closures, recurring emergency deck repairs. Carrying four lanes of traffic and pedestrian access between 42nd and 36th Streets, the 38th Street Viaduct serves as a vital east-west route along Highway 275 (L Street) in Omaha, Nebraska.

Title: Gretna Hwy 6/31 Overpass

Recipient: City of Gretna

Amount: $1,500,000 (Requested: $2,800,000)

Description: Hwy 6/31 currently serves as a physical barrier that cuts through the heart of the community, limiting access to these key public assets for residents located on the west side of the highway. The City is therefore requesting federal assistance to design and construct a pedestrian overpass that will restore safe, non-vehicular access across this critical corridor. Without such an investment, the growth and functionality of Gretna’s public infrastructure will remain constrained by mobility and safety challenges.

Title: Water Main Replacement

Recipient: City of Valley

Amount: $1,280,000 (Requested: $1,600,000)

Description: The City of Valley is seeking funding for the replacement of water mains in various locations within Valley. The funds will be utilized to replace old and deteriorated water main pipes. The segments selected were determined by the number of previous water main breaks from the City Operator and historical records of age and material. The new pipes will improve water quality within specific areas, improve water flow capacity, and increase the number of fire hydrants for fire protection.

Title: Burlington Economic Development Infrastructure Project

Recipient: City of Ralston

Amount: $2,000,000 (Requested: $4,000,000)

Description: The sewer reconstruction is a critical infrastructure project for residents of both Ralston and central Omaha. The sewer provides service to over half of the area of Ralston and an equal amount of area in Omaha. Together, it serves an equivalent population of over 13,000 people, consisting of residents and businesses in both cities. The continued degradation of the line threatens properties with potential sewer back-ups. The sewer situation is impeding further economic development efforts.

Title: Bluestem Stream Improvement Project

Recipient: City of Omaha

Amount: $1,000,000 (Requested: $1,820,000)

Description: The City of Omaha is seeking funding for the improvement of approximately 1,200 linear feet of storm sewer drainageway that runs directly through the center of Bluestem Prairie Phase 2, a new 64-home affordable housing development currently under construction by HFHO in North Omaha. This open-channel drainageway has eroded significantly into a steep, 22-foot drop that is filled with debris, posing a safety and structural concern for the affordable housing developed for families. 

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