State officials will assume responsibility for conducting the environmental reviews of most federally-funded Nebraska transportation projects.
State officials signed a memorandum of understanding with federal transportation officials during a Capitol ceremony.
Governor Pete Ricketts says the shift of responsibility will allow the state to complete transportation projects sooner. . .
[NEWS 31] :23 A Gov. Pete Ricketts; “environmental reviews”
State officials will conduct environmental reviews of maintenance projects, such as resurfacing roads.
State Transportation Director Kyle Schneweis says new construction will still be reviewed by federal officials, though he hopes even that will change. . .
[NEWS 32] :14 A Schneweis; “as well”
Schneweis says other states have reported that shifting environmental regulations to the states have shaved the process from three years to one.