Nebraska legislators have advanced a bill that would merge the Department of Aeronautics with the Department of Roads to create the Department of Transportation.

Senator Curt Friesen of Henderson, Transportation Committee chair, brought the bill to the floor at the request of Governor Ricketts. . .

Concerns about rural airports were expressed as legislators consider the merger.

Senator Paul Schumacher of Columbus says air transportation is vital to the economic growth of the state, especially in rural Nebraska. . .

Lawmakers advanced the bill merging the departments on a 40-to-nothing vote.