Governor Jim Pillen and Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert announced two major investments in North Omaha, Nebraska.
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The State has awarded $89.2 million to the Omaha Economic Development Corporation to create a business park near Eppley Airfield.
The State has also awarded $35 million to the City of Omaha to construct a multipurpose community center at Levi Carter Park, which overlooks Carter Lake in east Omaha.
“Omaha has developed into a dynamic hub of industry here in the Heartland, and today’s investments are going to accelerate its growth, especially in the North Omaha community,†said Governor Jim Pillen.
“The amazing success of our state’s largest city is attracting entrepreneurs, professional talent, and young families to Nebraska. As people and businesses flock to Omaha, we’re investing in first-rate community amenities and industrial sites to continue the metro’s strong momentum.â€
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) awarded the $89.2 million grant to Omaha Economic Development Corporation through the Airport Business Park Program to fund site preparation of shovel-ready land for the proposed business park.
The two-part project will consist of a site west of Carter Lake with land primarily devoted to industrial use and a site north of Carter Lake—connected to Levi Carter Park—with a mix of commercial and industrial uses.
The project’s proximity to Eppley Airfield will make it highly attractive to aviation-related businesses, warehouse/logistics companies, and manufacturers looking for greater supply chain efficiencies.
The project also creates stimulus for the development of retail and housing in the vicinity of the business park to benefit current and future workers in the area.
DED awarded the $35 million grant to the City of Omaha through the Multipurpose Community Facilities Program.
The City of Omaha will use the grant to construct a 90,000 square foot community facility that will serve all Omaha residents, particularly those in the northeast quadrant of the city.
The facility will be owned by the City of Omaha and operated as a not-for-profit facility.
The facility’s intended uses include:
• Hosting after-school and out-of-school programming for youth. The facility will especially focus on youth sports to encourage pro-social behaviors and teach important life skills such as teamwork and cooperation.
• Providing the public with access to computers and high-speed internet, especially for the purpose of searching for employment or to develop the requisite digital skills to become employed.
• Enabling health monitoring. Patrons will be able to reserve rooms to conduct telemedicine appointments. The facility will also collaborate with local health providers to offer annual health screenings for youth who require physicals and desire to participate in youth sports.
The State’s investments in the Carter Lake area add to the tremendous activity taking place in North Omaha. The city’s vibrant economy has contributed to the rapid growth of both Douglas County and the State of Nebraska.
On December 7, 2023, the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) reported that Douglas County was the fastest-growing large county (population of 500,000+) in the United States from 2021 to 2022, with GDP growth of 9.5%.
On December 7, 2023, the BEA reported that Nebraska had the third-highest state GDP growth in the nation for the third quarter of 2023 at 7.5%. ■