Gov. Pillen Highlights State Funding Assistance for Gibbon’s Water Infrastructure Projects

GIBBON, NE -- In Gibbon today, Governor Jim Pillen continued his recognition of communities that have utilized state resources to implement water infrastructure improvement projects. He was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bardley and Gibbon Mayor Derrick Clevenger.

Gibbon is partnering with DWEE to finalize $15 million in total financial assistance through Nebraska’s State Drinking Water (DW) and Clean Water (CW) State Revolving Fund (SRF) Programs. The SRF programs provide low-interest loans and loan forgiveness to communities for water infrastructure improvements.

“This kind of infrastructure investment protects communities and improves quality of life for Nebraskans,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska will continue to use the SRF to support communities like Gibbon to make sure Nebraskans have the infrastructure they need to thrive.”

“SRF provides smaller communities with an important financing tool to complete necessary projects while being mindful of local resources and ratepayer costs,” said Director Bradley. “These projects are investments in reliable drinking water, wastewater treatment, and protection of Nebraska’s water resources.”

Gibbon’s existing drinking water supply contains elevated levels of manganese, a naturally occurring element found in soil and water. The city is building a new wellfield source with lower manganese levels. Nearly $10 million in DW SRF funding is planned for this project.

In addition to the drinking water project, Gibbon is also planning a wastewater modernization project to replace aging equipment and improve the community’s wastewater treatment, which will protect the health of people and wildlife in the Wood River Basin. Around $5 million in CW SRF funding is planned for this project.

Through these SRF programs, approximately 42% of the project funding will receive loan forgiveness assistance. Compared with private financing options, the assistance is expected to save Gibbon residents $11-15 million in repayments over the life of the financing.

“Gibbon has always tried to look ahead and make decisions that will benefit our community for generations to come. These water and wastewater projects are a great example of that,” said Gibbon Mayor Derrick Clevenger. “With the partnership and support of the State of Nebraska, we are able to make important investments in our infrastructure while being mindful of the cost to our residents. We are grateful for that partnership and excited about what these projects mean for the future of Gibbon.”

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.

“For a small community, taking on one major infrastructure project is a huge undertaking. In Gibbon, we’re taking on two — making significant investments in both our drinking water and wastewater systems,” said Matt Smallcomb, city administrator. “Having the State of Nebraska as a partner gives us the opportunity to tackle these projects today and make investments that will serve our community for generations to come.”

“We’re helping communities make necessary investments in clean, safe, and reliable water infrastructure without placing an unnecessary burden on local taxpayers,” added Gov. Pillen. “But the project is about more than pipes, valves, and equipment. It’s about protecting public health, supporting the community, and investing in Gibbon’s future.”