ARPA Case Study: Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird Paves the Way for New Water Source Project
Idea Category: American Rescue Plan Act, Funding, Public Safety | Funding Source: American Rescue Plan
The American Rescue Plan Act empowers local leaders to use the funds on initiatives they believe will have the greatest impact in their communities. This encompasses long-term projects that were previously sidelined due to resource limitations and competing interests. In coordination with state officials, Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird has had the opportunity to use ARPA funds to make tremendous progress on the “Water 2.0: Securing Lincoln’s Second Source” project, underscoring the need to begin planning now to ensure that the Lincoln Water System has the capacity to meet the demand of a growing city.
In 2023, Baird officially endorsed her Water Source Advisory Council’s formal recommendation to pursue a wellfield and treatment facility on the Missouri River with a direct transport line to Lincoln. This solution was identified after an extensive review of 14 possible solutions.
With $20 million allocated from ARPA by the state legislature, Lincoln is positioned to take the next steps to upgrading its existing infrastructure, enhancing capacity, and laying the groundwork for the transition to a new water system. At the same time, the city will finalize the planning and design to begin construction on the new project.
“This effort will be the largest and singularly most important public works project for Lincoln’s growth, health, and vitality into the future,” Baird said. “Identifying and securing a second source of water will strengthen our economic and environmental resilience for decades to come.”
More Idea’s From Leirion Gaylor Baird
Lincoln Mayor Gaylor Baird Announced Expansion of Workforce Initiative
Idea Category: Jobs Training, Workforce | Funding Source: ARP
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird Partners With ALLO Fiber To Expand Student Connectivity & Engagement
Idea Category: Broadband, Education | Funding Source: ARP
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird Touts Positive Impact of New Co-Responder Program
Idea Category: Mental Health | Funding Source: ARP
Nebraska Mayor Gaylor Baird and City Councilmember Tom Beckius Launch “Workforce Week”
Idea Category: Creating Jobs, Jobs Training, Workforce | Funding Source: ARP
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird Broke Ground on City’s First Permanent Supportive Housing Location
Idea Category: Addressing Homelessness, Housing | Funding Source: ARP
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird Announced Expansion of City Heat Pump Program
Idea Category: Climate Change | Funding Source: ARP
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird Announced Mental Health Crisis Calls Partnership
Idea Category: Mental Health, Public Safety | Funding Source: ARP
Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird Offers 26-Step Plan to Ensure Local Food Sustainability
Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird: New Plan to Boost Local Food System in Lincoln
Idea Category: Smart Government | Funding Source: ARP
ARP: Lincoln NE, New Workforce Training Opportunities
Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP
ARP: Lincoln NE, Supporting Small Businesses
Idea Category: Jobs and Entrepreneurship | Funding Source: ARP
Fostering a Welcoming Community for Immigrants
Idea Category: Equity & Opportunity | Funding Source: ARP
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