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NDOT staff clarifies county bridge match program, funding shortfall and future options

Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) Highway Commission · October 27, 2025
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Summary

Staff told the commission the county bridge match program originated from the Transportation Innovation Act and a $50 million transfer; NDOT supports the program but cautioned state general funds are not the preferred long‑term funding source and said larger bridge needs remain in counties' portfolios.

NDOT staff answered questions about the county bridge match program and its funding status, saying the program was created under the Transportation Innovation Act with a $50 million transfer and an authorized funding authority of $60 million.

Staff said the county bridge match program has supported more than 380 projects to date but acknowledged the remaining backlog includes larger bridges that serve freight and agricultural needs. The department reiterated that it supports the program conceptually but does not support covering the county program with ongoing state transportation funds.

As a next step, staff said they plan to incorporate off‑system (county) bridge needs into the state freight plan and work on legislative and financing options to address larger, higher‑cost county bridges. NDOT staff said they expect to continue funding backlog projects already in the pipeline and to pursue a legislative funding solution for long‑term needs.