Omaha City Wire

Omaha, Neb. - The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has allocated $1 billion to the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Administration (PHMSA) for the Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization (NGDISM) grant program. This funding initiative aims to address safety risks associated with aging natural gas distribution pipelines, especially in underserved communities. Representative Don Bacon, who voted in favor of the Infrastructure Law, emphasized the importance of this funding.

"My vote for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was representative of our community," said Bacon.

Under the NGDISM program, $200 million annually will be distributed to municipality or community-owned gas distribution systems for the replacement, repair, or rehabilitation of high-risk, leak-prone legacy pipes. PHMSA is set to award nearly $392 million to modernize over 600 miles of pipelines in underserved and transportation-disadvantaged communities across 26 states. This includes grants for equipment to detect methane leaks for prompt repair.

In Nebraska's 2nd Congressional District, two entities are slated to receive a total of $26,572,365 in funding. Metro Utilities District, also known as M.U.D., will be granted $25,225,287 for a pipeline construction project to replace 89.1 miles of natural gas infrastructure. The City of Wahoo, NE, will receive $1,347,078 for a pipeline construction project to replace 2.15 miles of natural gas infrastructure.

Bacon highlighted the significance of this funding, stating, "These needed resources will bolster our economy, create jobs, and improve safety. This funding will help mitigate current safety risks stemming from some of our oldest natural gas distribution pipes, all while creating hundreds of good-paying jobs."