Fischer Advances Over $60 Million for Infrastructure, Firefighting Capabilities

By Panhandle Post

Today, U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced she advanced over $60 million in funding to support critical infrastructure projects and firefighting capabilities across Nebraska. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Act, which now awaits consideration on the Senate Floor. “From roads and bridges to railways and airports — our infrastructure keeps Nebraska’s communities connected. It allows our farmers and ranchers to bring their goods to market and enables us to travel to work or school. By investing in infrastructure, we are investing in our future. I’m proud to advance these critical investments which will improve our state’s infrastructure for Nebraska’s families and make our Good Life even better,” Fischer said.

Fischer advanced funding to support critical investments in Nebraska’s infrastructure:

1. $6 million to the Alliance Airport for electrical improvements
2. $6 million to add safety enhancements to the Heartland Expressway
3. $5.2 million to replace the Lisco Bridge in Garden County
4. $5 million to extend the runway and parallel taxiway at the Blair Airport
5. $4.7 million to pave a 4-mile stretch of Hickory Road in Gage County
6. $4 million to road improvements for Fairbury Highway 36
7. $4 million to improve the lighting system at the Hastings Airport
8. $3.5 million to improve walkability and safety of downtown Omaha
9. $3.4 million to complete the parallel taxiway and improve the lighting system at the Nebraska City Airport
10. $3.4 million to make improvements to roads in Sheridan and Garden County
11. $3.2 million to make roadway improvements on Cedar River Road in Garfield County
12. $2.2 million to reconstruct the 9th street roadway in Stromsburg
13. $897,000 to replace or repair multiple bridges in Brown County
14. $880,000 to pave the Adams Bypass
15. $700,000 to pave the roadway and improve access to the local grain elevator in Exeter
16. $600,000 to relocate the Midfield Connector Taxiway at Brenner Field Airport in Falls City

Fischer advanced funding to support Nebraska’s firefighting capabilities:

1. $2.5 million to replace South Sioux City’s aerial ladder fire truck
2. $1.8 million to replace Plattsmouth’s aerial ladder fire truck

1. $1.3 million to upgrade Friend’s fire hall facilities
2. $1.3 million to upgrade Clatonia’s fire hall facilities

Fischer advanced key provision to enhance roadway safety:

1. Advanced language from Fischer’s She DRIVES Act by directing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to adopt the most advanced crash test dummies.