NORFOLK, NE — On Friday, Governor Jim Pillen highlighted Nebraska’s ONE RED initiative in Norfolk and how it is poised to help the city fund a critical wastewater infrastructure project. He was joined by Senator Robert Dover, Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment Director Jesse Bradley, and Norfolk Mayor Shane Clausen.
Norfolk and DWEE are partnering on a $38 million grant through the ONE RED Wastewater Treatment Facility Anaerobic Digestion Program. This program aims to help communities build or expand digesters, gas collection systems, and energy infrastructure at wastewater facilities.
“Today, we’re celebrating an opportunity for $38 million in funding that would help Norfolk invest in its future and the health and safety of its residents,” said Gov. Pillen. “Nebraska has always been a state that finds practical ways to make the most of what we have. We have the agricultural resources. We have communities with wastewater infrastructure, and we have the technology to put those resources together.”
The ONE RED initiative, overseen by DWEE, received a $307 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Those funds are being used to implement multiple programs aimed at strengthening Nebraska’s economy by:
- Improving energy efficiency
- Reducing energy costs
- Providing incentives for agriculture practices that improve soil health, water conservation, and nutrient management
- Improving agricultural waste management
- Increasing the beneficial use of biogas
“DWEE is excited to start rolling out these funds so Nebraskans can start to see the positive environmental and economic impacts of these programs,” said Director Bradley. “This project is about turning organic waste into opportunity, producing valuable biogas, supporting Nebraska agriculture, improving environmental outcomes, and investing in infrastructure that will benefit the community for years to come.”
Norfolk’s digester project is intended to accept agricultural wastewater and capture the biogas created by the digester process to convert it into renewable natural gas. Not only will this generate energy, but it will also help Norfolk’s wastewater facility handle high-strength waste.
“Today’s announcement reflects a significant investment in Norfolk and the future of our community,” said Mayor Clausen. “This funding will ensure we have the infrastructure needed to support Norfolk’s continued growth. We appreciate everyone who has worked with the city to find a path forward.”
There is additional funding for Nebraska communities available through the Wastewater Treatment Facility Anaerobic Digestion Program.
This ONE RED grant opportunity represents an important investment in Nebraska’s wastewater infrastructure and helps the city expand its role from treating wastewater into viewing it as a valuable resource.
“State investment can help communities move projects from an idea to construction and ultimately to operation,” said Gov. Pillen. “Through ONE RED, Nebraska is showing its commitment to its residents by finding new avenues that help communities find innovative ways to grow while protecting resources.”