Nebraska lawmakers advance multimillion-dollar Omaha recovery project

LINCOLN — Nebraska lawmakers gave a inexperienced gentle Tuesday to a big-budget effort to revitalize underserved components of North and South Omaha.

The Nebraska Legislature superior Legislative Invoice 531 by way of its first spherical of debate in a 30-0 vote. The invoice is a follow-up to a 2022 invoice, LB 1024, which allotted $335 million to underserved areas of Nebraska. LB 531 would increase the entire above $400 million, particularly targeted on low-income Omaha neighborhoods.

The invoice nonetheless must make it by way of two extra rounds of debate earlier than it reaches Gov. Jim Pillen’s desk.

State Sen. Terrell McKinney of Omaha, the invoice’s introducer, grew up in North Omaha and mentioned his fundamental focus whereas in workplace is financial restoration for that space. He mentioned the initiatives funded by way of LB 531 will goal to cut back poverty and crime charges and enhance instructional and well being outcomes.

“North Omaha just isn’t a charity case for rich people to behave as our saviors,” McKinney mentioned. “It’s a group that deserves a good probability on the good life.”

Many of the cash — $365 million — could be distributed by way of the Division of Financial Growth to a few of the 367 proposals submitted throughout an earlier part of the mission final 12 months. LB 531 identifies a handful of these proposals to obtain assured cash, together with $20 million for a Malcolm X museum and one other $20 million for native well being facilities.

A number of initiatives have been already recognized and acquired funding by way of LB 1024 final 12 months, together with about $26 million to be unfold throughout initiatives elsewhere in Nebraska. Moreover, $20 million was allotted for inexpensive housing initiatives in Omaha, $30 million was devoted to innovation hubs, and $60 million was allotted for a enterprise park close to the Omaha airport.

LB 531 would enhance the entire quantity going to the enterprise park from $60 million to $100 million.

Folded into the invoice is separate laws from Sen. Rick Holdcroft of Bellevue, which might allocate $15 million to enhance sewer methods, McKinney mentioned. It additionally would give $180 million to help a brand new water remedy plant in Lincoln.