Date:

May , 2001

For More Information Contact:

Diane Gonzolas, Citizen Information Center, 441-7831

Mayor Don Wesely today participated in a bill signing ceremony for LB 657, a measure approved by the State Legislature last week to provide $15 million in funding to initiate the Antelope Valley Project. He again thanked Governor Mike Johanns and the Unicameral for their support of the largest public works project in Lincoln history.

"The signing of this bill today gives us the green light to actually begin this project, which will literally change the face of the city's core," Wesely said. "After years of planning and discussion with our partners and citizens, we are ready to move forward."

The bill will provide $1 million in cigarette taxes for 15 years for Antelope Valley, a flood control, traffic improvement and neighborhood revitalization project. Mayor Wesely said the Joint Antelope Valley Authority is expected to undertake these steps in the next 6 to 12 months:

• The Final Environmental Impact Statement would be secured. This statement is necessary in order to obtain federal funding for the waterway and roadways.

• Work would continue with the Nebraska congressional delegation and federal agencies to secure authorization and appropriations for the Phase One projects.

• Open houses and briefings would be held to discuss the proposed design plans. These meetings would provide information and an opportunity for comment on such issues as construction schedules, potential property impacts and traffic routes during construction.

• The recreation fields east of Abel Hall that are in the path of the roadway and waterway would be relocated. A proposed 33-acre Northeast Community Park is a possible replacement site for the fields and for expanded park and recreational opportunities.

• A professional appraisal process would begin for the first set of properties impacted by Phase One projects. The owners and tenants would receive fair market value offers for their property in addition to relocation and moving assistance payments.

• Utility relocation and site preparations would begin for Phase One construction in 2002- 2003. The starting points would include the new four-way road bridge over the railroad tracks and the abutting waterway section south of Salt Creek.

Media Release