The Archway - City Oversight

Recently, along with the City of Kearney, Buffalo County and the Kearney Visitors Bureau have agreed to provide annual funding for a maximum of three years for The Archway. Also, the City of Kearney has assumed management oversight of The Archway which will create efficiencies and improvements resulting in decreased operating expenses, improved aesthetics, and significant operational efficiencies.

The City Council also approved an Archway Advisory Committee to act in an advisory capacity to the City Manager by advising and assisting the City to insure the efficient and economical management and operation of the Archway.

The Archway – Background

·        The Great Platte River Road Archway is an educational and tourism museum located over Interstate 80 within the city limits of Kearney Nebraska.

·     The Great Platte River Road Archway is the only venue of its kind.         

·       The Great Platte River Road Archway has brought national attention to Kearney, Nebraska being featured in movies, the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and countless articles in tourism guides and magazines.

·       The Great Platte River Road Archway has sold more than 1.4 million tickets since its opening with visitors from all 50 states and almost every country.

Kearney Named Community of the Year

Kearney was named Community of the Year by the Nebraska Diplomats on Friday, September 20, 2013 during the 46th Annual Passport Weekend in Lincoln.  Kearney was honored for its collaborative efforts in economic development.

Diplomats Executive Director Lori Shaal stated, “They’re a good partner and a great city”.  She pointed to the City of Kearney’s ability to work together for economic development as a main factor in the decision to honor Kearney.

“Our goal is to be the community that not only listens, but also provides solutions using common sense and excellent customer service”, stated City Manager Michael Morgan.

Cherry Avenue Bypass - Finally!

After several years of debate and efforts by numerous city, state, and federal officials the Cherry Avenue/I-80 Bypass officially opens Tuesday, August 27, 2013.  The new Interstate 80 exit, Exit 275, has been completed to 11th Street.  Future phases will go north to 56th Street and eventually to 78th Street and west to Highway 10.

This $56 million project will provide direct access to the Archway Monument, the Kearney Regional Airport, the Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home – Kearney, and the National Guard Transportation Battalion facility.  The project also includes a railroad overpass at Highway 30.

The City of Kearney appreciates all of the efforts of dedicated citizens, elected officials and state and federal transportation officials to make this project a reality.

Central Nebraska Veterans' Home

City of Kearney, Buffalo County, and Buffalo County Economic Development Council officials are proud to announce that Kearney has been selected as the site for the new Central Nebraska Veterans’ Home.  This new 330,000 square foot facility will cost an estimated $121,000,000 and will be located at the intersection of 56th Street and Cherry Avenue.  In addition to a state-of-the-art single story facility, local funding of $10,100,000 will provide for several improvements including paved and lit walking trails, water features, wood and ceramic shops, a chapel, a library, landscaping, garden areas, and a new Veterans’ Memorial.  Also included is long-term funding for employee recruitment, relocation, training, as well as scholarships to the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Central Community College.  In addition, the proposal provides significant operational savings through utility rate reductions, rebates, and snow removal services.  Finally, discretionary funds are included allowing for necessary improvements that may arise now and in the future due to design changes or higher costs. 

A local committee, referred to as the Project Honor Committee, is looking forward to the opportunity to personally meet with residents (members) and employees of the current home to further develop transition plans based on their input. The transition plans will include matching members of the home with local volunteers who will assist with whatever services are needed.

As the project develops, more information will be available as well as how to volunteer.  For additional information please contact the City Manager’s Office at (308) 233-3214 or   email citymanager@kearneygov.org

Come Help Us Celebrate the

“Ribbon Cutting” for the

Cherry Avenue/I-80 Bypass 

Join us

Tuesday, August 27

10:00 a.m.

at the

Great Platte River Road Archway

Facebook - Almost

Although not selected for the Facebook data center project we are pleased that we competed on a national level in an effort to secure the largest single economic development project in Nebraska’s history.  Kearney should be extremely proud of our efforts to offer a competitive proposal that resulted in TechOne Crossing, a premiere shovel-ready data park.  Today, the 160+ acre site offers excellent access to data center specific infrastructure including transportation, water, power, and fiber.  We offer sustainable energy options, such as year-round free cooling and competitive financial incentives.   

We created the data park with the intent to aggressively position our community to attract technology industries.  We secured the interest of one of the largest tech companies in the world – and we will continue to build on that effort and momentum to be successful.

For more information, visit our site at www.techonecrossing.com.

Public Hearing for Capital Improvement Project Suggestions

The Citizens of Kearney approved the ½ cent sales tax increase in 2005. By passing the sales tax increase this enables the City of Kearney to make capital expenditures that will help make Kearney a better place to live.

The City Council is accepting input from citizens for capital improvement projects and encourages citizens with suggestions to attend the City Council meeting on Tuesday, February 26, 2013, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. A public hearing will be held to receive public input.

The City Council and City staff encourages you to participate at the public hearing with your suggestions for City projects. Your suggestions might inspire new projects or influence existing ones. Either way, you’re making a valuable contribution to your community!

One and Six Year Street Improvement Plan

The City of Kearney is currently soliciting input from the community regarding the proposed One and Six Year Street Improvement Plan. The public hearing has been scheduled for February 26, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Citizens are encouraged to review the plan and if they have any questions or concerns, to contact City Administration at (308) 233-3214 or citymanager@kearneygov.org. A listing of the One Year Plan and Six Year Plan, as well as a map of the proposed projects, have been posted to the City’s web page and can be viewed at www.cityofkearney.org/oneandsixyearplan.

Cherry Avenue Project Update

Cherry Avenue Project, Phase One, is progressing and will be completed by fall 2013.  Phase One construction includes a new Interstate 80 interchange, overpass, and four-lane highway north to 11th Street.

The second phase of the Kearney East Bypass project will extend construction from the terminus of Phase One north 3.5 miles to a point approximately 2,500 feet north of 56th Street. The improvements will consist of grading and construction of a new four-lane concrete pavement, surfaced shoulders, Highway 30 interchange and viaduct, lighting, and utilities. This phase is currently in final design with right-of-way acquisitions.

• Project Map

Capital Projects Update

Two capital projects are nearing completion; the Inclusive Playground project and the Harmon Park/Apollo Park Tennis Court lighting project. Work needed to complete the new Inclusive Playground located in Harmon Park consists of landscaping, lighting, and accessible parking improvements. The remaining work will be done by early summer.

Minor electrical work is required to complete the new installation of lights for the Harmon Park tennis courts and the updating of the tennis court lights at Apollo Park. This work should be completed in the next few weeks.

It is important to point out that both of these projects were funded by the City’s ½ cent sales tax - $393,000 and $203,000 in private funds.