ELECTION 2018 Omaha voters approve $151 million in road bonds

May 16, 2018

Keith Goble

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Voters in the city of Omaha approved a ballot question on Tuesday, May 15, that is touted to double the city’s plans on transportation projects.

The question asked voters to authorize $151.3 million in road bonds over six years. Supporters said approval allows the city to complete dozens of planned projects. It passed with 83 percent of the voters supporting the measure.

General obligation bonds will be used to cover the costs for street and highway work around the state’s largest city.

The road bond question is part of a five-question package that totals $227.5 million in new bonds for capital improvements.

Advocates said the road bond issue would not result in higher property tax rates in the city. They added that the new bonds are needed to help secure federal funding.

Critics said that voters should demand more from the city. They criticized city officials for what they say is a history of not holding itself accountable to build projects as planned, use the funds as planned, or adequately report changes to the public.

Omaha voters decide every four years whether to approve bonds for city projects. Over the past three election cycles voters approved a total of $149.7 million for transportation work – slightly less than the $151.3 million sought this spring.