Transportation Planning Process

All transportation planning and project prioritization is done by NDOR with ultimate authority resting with the governor. The State Highway Commission reviews NDOR's plans, but acts in an advisory and informational capacity only. MPOs, city and county departments work with NDOR when the need arises.

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

The state constitution expressly prohibits the Legislature from laying out, planning or directing the construction of roads or highways (Neb. Const. art. III, §18). The role of the Legislature is to determine the amount of funding to provide. NDOR presents its annual needs assessment to a joint meeting of the Appropriations and Transportation committees before session. The Legislature then determines the overall level of state funding to be provided for transportation through the normal budgeting process for executive agencies.