The Nebraska Department of Transportation has received more than $72,000,000 in federal grant awards, and the agency is seeking an increase of about $46,000,000 in its state budget to match Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funds, Director Vicky Kramer told the State Highway Commission on Jan. 17.

Kramer said the largest single federal award related to the grants is for a rail safety project in Lincoln (the Cornhusker/30th Street project). "There is $25,000,000 in Nebraska DOT funds going to that project," Kramer said, and NDOT will work with the City of Lincoln and the rail safety district on delivery.

The nut graf: The agency said matching funds are needed to avoid leaving federal IIJA dollars on the table. Kramer said for the IIJA’s first four years the federal match was provided through a general fund transfer, and NDOT now must increase its budget to maintain eligibility and maximize federal capital for state projects.

Kramer also reviewed grant activity and pending applications. She said NDOT applied for a $2,000,000 regional accelerator technical‑assistance grant to support innovative finance and a hub that would evaluate alternative funding mechanisms. She warned that an upcoming administration change at USDOT could slow some awards but noted continuity among some deputy officials.

On legislative matters, Kramer highlighted safety priorities NDOT plans to pursue with lawmakers this session, including changes to the state’s "move over" law, increased camera use in work zones, and a hands‑free driving bill aimed at removing phones from drivers’ hands. "Distracted driving is on the rise," Kramer said, noting NDOT lost two workers in work zones over the past year and that the agency will work with the legislature to improve work‑zone protections.

Kramer closed by saying NDOT will circulate a more detailed bill list later this month and continue coordination with federal and state partners.

Ending: The director’s remarks served as a policy overview ahead of the legislative session; commissioners asked no follow‑up questions during the meeting.