Matching funds could be considered for state highway projects

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee heard testimony Feb. 6 on a bill that would expand considerations by the state Department of Roads when prioritizing state highway projects.

Under LB1112, introduced by Norfolk Sen. Mike Flood, the department could consider whether local matching funds were available from a county or municipality or from joint entities consisting of counties and municipalities when prioritizing projects for state highways.

Flood said the bill would provide encouragement for communities that are willing to invest their own resources in a local highway project. It would not guarantee that communities able to match funds would take priority, Flood said, but the department should be allowed to take that into consideration.

West Point Mayor Marlene Johnson testified in support of the bill. It is not meant to favor certain highway projects, Johnson said, but would help speed up the process.

Dennis Houston, president of the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, also testified in support of the bill, saying it would allow communities to take ownership of their local highway projects.

“What we are looking at here is an opportunity to raise our hand and say that we are willing to help take care of ourselves,” Houston said.

No opposing testimony was given and the committee took no immediate action on the bill.