Johnson Lake at sunset, (Brian Neben, Courtesy)
JOHNSON LAKE — Gosper County is applying for federal grant funding to replace the Johnson Lake Inlet Bridge constructed in 1967 and is nearing the end of its functional lifespan.
The U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) will award grants for the Bridge Investment Program (BIP). This program supports critical infrastructure projects across the country to help upgrade bridges from critical/poor condition to good condition. BIP is a nationally competitive grant program.
This grant application is being done by the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and Saline County in conjunction with 8 other counties which have fracture critical bridges across the State of Nebraska. Replacing or upgrading these bridges would improve safety, increase community connection and provide better transportation of commercial and agricultural commerce enhancing economic growth across the State.
Gosper County Roads Department in collaboration with NE iHUB of the Nebraska Department of Transportation is in the process of sending out letters to prospective supporters of this venture.
Letters will be directed to critical use entities including local fire and rescue departments, schools, utilities, construction, chamber of commerce, community foundations, economic development organizations, agriculture operations, service companies and local elected officials. The letter responses will assist Gosper County to be accepted for federal grant funding to help replace the Johnson Lake Inlet bridge/ structure # C003702305P.
We need your assistance by telling us how you use the current structure, how it impacts your daily life, and your thoughts on potential wider, safer bridges that may support heavy trucks and equipment.
There’s an online survey link in the letters sent out which takes no more than 5 minutes to complete. https://hdr.jotform.com/252316557762058
We appreciate your input.
Letters of support are requested by the public and all entities that would benefit by replacement of the Johnson Lake Inlet bridge. These letters received will be submitted with grant application to the FHWA. The FHWA evaluates support letters during the process to determine which bridge projects are critical to the public’s welfare and economic growth of the surrounding area.
FHWA prioritizes efficient use of federal grant funding in its goal of creating valued public infrastructure. All surveys and support letters need to be completed or returned to the Gosper County Roads Department with full names and current addresses by October 2, 2025.
Letters may be emailed to hiwaysupt@gospercountyne.gov
Or they may be mailed to Gosper County Roads Department
PO Box 172
Elwood, NE 68937
