Governor Highlights Investment in McCook’s Efforts to Replace Lead Service Lines
McCook, Neb. — In McCook, Governor Jim Pillen continued his recognition of communities that have used state resources to implement water infrastructure improvement projects. He was joined by Nebraska Department of Water, Energy, and Environment (DWEE) Director Jesse Bradley and McCook Mayor Linda Taylor.
McCook has partnered with DWEE to receive $5 million in total financial assistance through Nebraska’s Drinking Water (DW) State Revolving Fund (SRF) to replace lead service lines in the city. The SRF programs provide low-interest loans and loan forgiveness to communities for water infrastructure projects.
“This kind of infrastructure investment protects communities and improves quality of life for Nebraskans,” Governor Pillen said. “City leaders are being proactive and prioritizing public health and their community’s health.”
When the new federal lead regulation goes into effect in 2027, all communities will have to replace 10% of their lead service lines each year over the following decade. In addition to protecting public health, McCook’s action to replace privately owned lead service lines in its community will also help it remain in compliance with federal requirements.
“This project will support the community’s long-term stability and growth and will allow McCook to make great strides toward ensuring their drinking water system is prepared to meet these future federal compliance obligations,” Director Bradley said.
Through the DWSRF, 60% of the project funding McCook will receive will be loan forgiveness assistance. The remaining financing will come at 0% borrowing rates to support McCook’s efforts. Compared with private financing options, the state’s financing support is expected to save McCook’s residents at least $10 million in repayments over the life of the financing.
In addition to the lead service line project, McCook has utilized both DW and Clean Water (CW) SRF funding previously for the construction of its drinking water and wastewater treatment plants and for drinking water mains across the city.
“SRF financing has been an important resource for our community,” Mayor Taylor said. “As we pursue funding for lead service line replacement and other infrastructure needs, we are building on decades of partnership through the SRF program. We appreciate the continued support that helps communities like McCook maintain the systems our citizens depend on every day.”
Since their inception, Nebraska’s SRF programs have provided more than $1.75 billion in assistance across 713 loans to 326 communities. DWEE expects to fund roughly 40 new projects over the next two years, totaling approximately $220 million. These programs operate as a revolving fund, so repaid dollars continuously cycle back into the program to benefit additional communities.
"We’re helping communities make necessary investments in clean, safe, and reliable water infrastructure without placing an unnecessary burden on local rate payers,” Pillen said. “Safe drinking water is fundamental to the health of our communities and the strength of our economy.”