OMAHA- State lawmakers are eyeballing an industrial park that would be located in Omaha, take up nearly 61 acres, and create over 450 jobs at the site.

State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha gave an update to his fellow lawmakers on a $335 million recovery effort dedicated to underserved areas of Nebraska, primarily in North and South Omaha. Wayne has been focused on efforts in Omaha, while the State Department of Economic Development is leading the charge for other areas, he said. Wayne is part of a larger committee that has been working to find a way to distribute the funds.

The industrial park was one of several projects or initiatives specifically earmarked for funding in the legislation, which lawmakers passed earlier this year. The development of affordable housing was another initiative designated for funding. Senator Wayne said that if this plan is completed successfully, it provides a functioning model to be replicated in other areas of the state.

Wayne said state officials are working to purchase about 61 acres of vacant land just off North 16th Street directly west of Carter Lake. He said six businesses have already expressed interest in developing on the land. Despite the land and industrial park being prepared, the committee still has over $250 million to spend.

Wayne said lawmakers must distribute the remaining money before 2026, as the bulk of the $250 million comes via the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, which expires in 2026.

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