Nebraska has assumed full responsibility and legal liability for environmental reviews tied to federally funded transportation projects under the National Environmental Policy Act.
The agreement transfers authority from the Federal Highway Administration to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, allowing the state to conduct all environmental assessments and impact statements for transportation projects. Nebraska previously held limited review authority; the new agreement expands that role statewide.
Projects expected to move forward under the updated framework include the Lincoln East Beltway, corridor improvements on U.S. 75 and Interstate 480 in the Omaha metro area, and the Court Street Access and Safety Transformation Project in Beatrice. The U.S. Department of Transportation has executed a $21 million grant agreement for the Beatrice project.
Nebraska becomes the ninth state to assume full NEPA responsibility through the FHWA assignment program.