The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission, working alongside the Nebraska Department of Transportation-Division of Aeronautics, approved state-funded federal matching grants and state aid only grants of over $4.5 million on October 18. The federal matching grants support projects totaling over $93 million.
This record-setting funding is a direct result of the passage of LB 727 and LB 138 by the Nebraska Legislature during the 2023 regular session. These bills were supported by the Nebraska Department of Transportation, the Nebraska Association of Airport Officials and the Nebraska Aviation Council and will enhance Nebraska’s airports statewide, supporting the vitality of communities of all sizes.
“The work that the Aeronautics Commission has done continues to advance the vision of One Nebraska, where our neighbors, friends and family have access to safe and reliable travel,” said Governor Pillen. “This funding helps sustain our communities with economic development, access to medical care and agricultural uses. This is just a small example of what state funds can do to support our communities. By covering all 6 regions of the state we move forward together, because our state is better together.
The Commission approved funding for commercial service airports, including Eppley Airfield in Omaha and Central Nebraska Regional in Grand Island along with general aviation airports like, Crete Municipal Airport, Pender Municipal and Thomas County Airport in Thedford. The historic funding is being used for airports to update both infrastructure and planning documents and expand regional airports. A few examples of the 36 projects funded include:
- Bill G. Ray Field in Chappell – Billy G. Ray Field’s asphalt runway surface is over 30 years old and in need of rehabilitation. It is extremely important to the region, not just for economic development, but to provide essential services like healthcare, education and emergency services to rural communities.
- North Platte Regional Airport – Being the only primary airport within a 14,000 square mile radius and serving 15 counties, the Regional Airport needed a modernized terminal. The new terminal will meet the airport’s capacity, security, accessibility, and sustainability needs, while providing passengers with an enhanced experience including jet bridge boarding and food and beverage options.
- Blair Executive Airport – In recent years the Executive Airport has made huge strides in upgrading its facility as a relief airport for Eppley Airfield in Omaha. The funding helps them become a hub for economic development by increasing corporate traffic and creates job growth for aircraft maintenance, private pilots, and corporate jet centers.
