Gov. Ricketts Signs Three Infrastructure Initiatives

(LINCOLN, NEB.)— Governor Pete Ricketts signed three bills into law aimed at improving transportation and housing to help Grow Nebraska.

The first bill, LB339 introduced by Senator Curt Friesen of Henderson, creates the Nebraska Department of Transportation (DOT) by merging the Department of Roads and Department of Aeronautics. This legislation was one of the Governor’s top priorities for the 2017 legislative session, and was passed with overwhelming support from the Legislature.

“This legislation will create efficiencies, which will allow us to put more money into runways and roads without sacrificing jobs,” said Governor Ricketts. “Thanks to Aeronautics Director Ronnie Mitchell and Roads Director Kyle Schneweis for all their work on this merger. Also, thanks to Senator Curt Friesen for sponsoring and championing this bill in the Legislature.”

The Department of Aeronautics will join the Department of Roads under the new DOT umbrella with Aeronautics becoming a division of the current Roads structure. Schneweis will lead the Nebraska Department of Transportation with Mitchell overseeing the aeronautics division. Neither Department has identified positions to be eliminated but do anticipate two positions will be transferred from Aeronautics to Roads with more savings expected.

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