Gov. Pillen Highlights Plainview’s Effort to Improve Drinking Water Infrastructure

NEBRASKA, September 2 - CONTACT:

Laura Strimple, (402) 580-9495

Carla Felix, DWEE, (402) 471-4223

Gov. Pillen Highlights Plainview’s Effort to Improve Drinking Water Infrastructure

PLAINVIEW, NE — Plainview is the second community in Nebraska to be recognized by Governor Jim Pillen for its efforts in improving water infrastructure for residents. He was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley at a news conference highlighting the use of state funding resources to support critical drinking water and wastewater infrastructure improvements across the state.

Plainview is partnering with DWEE to finalize financial assistance for a new wellfield project through Nebraska’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) program. Plainview’s existing water supply wells have elevated nitrate levels. The new wellfield will provide a safe and reliable source of drinking water for Plainview’s residents.

“Nebraska’s State Revolving Fund is a powerful example of state and local government working together to solve real problems,” said Gov. Pillen. “This is an important investment in the future of Plainview and the health and safety of its residents – and we’re able to do it in a way that is responsible and affordable for the city.”

The State’s Clean Water and Drinking Water SRF programs provide low-interest loans and loan forgiveness to communities for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure projects, respectively. Plainview’s project is expected to cost $8 million. Through the SRF program, Plainview will receive 42% loan forgiveness, with the remaining financed at a 2% interest rate. This is expected to save Plainview residents over $10 million in repayments over the life of the financing.

Plainview Mayor Bob Smith said the SRF program has kept communities moving forward and has helped provide Nebraskans great places to live.

“The City of Plainview has been dealing with nitrate in our drinking water for many years. The solution to fix this problem, likewise, has been many years in the making,” Smith said. “We’re grateful for the use of the SRF funds to finance our project. It lessens the financial burden on our city as we bring safe drinking water to our citizens and plan for our future.”

DWEE Director Jesse Bradley highlighted Plainview’s historical commitment to improving its wastewater and drinking water infrastructure. The city had previously received $1 million in SRF assistance to construct wastewater lagoons and other critical infrastructure needs.

“These projects are investments in reliable drinking water, wastewater treatment, and the protection of Nebraska’s water resources,” noted Bradley. “While this benefits the state as a whole, these infrastructure improvements also support the community’s long-term stability and growth.”

Since their inception, Nebraska’s SRF programs have provided more than $1.75 billion in assistance across 713 loans to 326 communities. DWEE expects to fund roughly 40 new projects over the next two years, totaling approximately $220 million. These programs operate as a revolving fund, so repaid dollars continuously cycle back into the program to benefit additional communities.

“The state’s involvement in infrastructure development is critical to helping our communities grow. This issue is important and I commend the leadership in this room for tackling it head on” added Gov. Pillen

Last month, Gov. Pillen and Dir. Bradley met with city officials in Ogallala to announce SRF funding assistance for upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility. Information about the funding for that project.

Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley, Governor Jim Pillen, and Plainview Mayor Bob Smith stand in a meeting room during a presentation, with Governor Pillen speaking at a podium. A display board behind them shows a map and information about Nebraska state revolving funds for clean water and drinking water projects.

Gov. Pillen highlights Plainview’s effort to improve drinking water infrastructure

Governor Jim Pillen, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley, and Plainview Mayor Bob Smith stand in a meeting room during a presentation, with Director Bradley speaking at a podium. An American flag and a display board showing Nebraska State Revolving Fund information and a map of project locations are visible in the background.

DWEE Dir. Bradley speaks about SRF program at Plainview news conference

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