Sen. Fischer advances more than $18 million for rural water infrastructure projects

NORTH PLATTE, Neb. (KNOP) - Sen. Deb Fischer has advanced more than $18 million in funding for water infrastructure projects in rural Nebraska.

The funding is part of fiscal year 2026’s Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, which now awaits consideration on the Senate floor.

The following communities are being considered:

• $8.25 million to improve the Santee Sioux Tribe’s water source
• $3.2 million to repair and upgrade the water treatment plant in McCook
• $2.3 million to construct a retention lagoon, lift station and sanitary sewer extensions in Greeley
• $1.4 million for watershed and stream improvements in the Middle Niobrara Natural Resources District
• $776,000 to reconstruct water and storm sewer facilities in Gothenburg
• $696,000 to replace an aging well and renovate the sanitary water storage tank in Farwell
• $620,000 to construct a new well and transmission line in Genoa
• $600,000 to construct an additional lagoon cell in Shelby
• $468,000 to line the sewer mains in Valparaiso
• $100,000 to renovate an existing lagoon cell and install a depth mark in Ong

“Strong, reliable water infrastructure is an essential part of our daily lives. I’m proud to advance this funding for these critical projects, which will improve the lives of Nebraskans for years to come. I look forward to supporting this bill through to final passage and returning more taxpayer money back to our state,” Fischer said.

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