LINCOLN- Nebraska transportation officials expect to spend nearly $15 million maintaining and improving the state’s highway system over the next 20 years, but it remains unclear how federal infrastructure money will factor into those plans.

John Selmer, who started as director of the Nebraska Department of Transportation in March, told state lawmakers that he is “pleased to find the agency and its current environment much more favorable” than in years past.

“The Nebraska Department of Transportation is more agile and resilient because of the lessons learned during the 2019 floods and the lingering COVID pandemic,” Selmer said.

The majority of the estimated $14.8 billion in spending over the next 20 years is expected for maintaining roads and bridges — patching, sealing cracks, resurfacing and more. That's projected to cost $9.5 billion.

According to the department’s analysis, about 82% of total highway miles in the state are rated at least “good,” which meets the department’s goal. For state-owned bridges, 58% are in “good” condition, about 39% are “fair” and about 3% are “poor."

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