Supporters of the proposed Bellevue campus in Nebraska, focused on cybersecurity and national security technology, seek lawmaker support for funding. The exact cost to the state is yet to be determined.
Proposed Bellevue Campus Aims to Make Nebraska a Leader in Cybersecurity
( Credit to: Nebraskaexaminer )
Supporters of a proposed Bellevue campus in Nebraska are seeking lawmaker support for a project that aims to make the state a leader in cybersecurity and national security technology. The campus, known as Prairie Hill Farm, plans to construct a six-story, 200,000-square-foot research and commercial complex focused on developing new national security technology. The surrounding area will include housing, hotel rooms, stores, and other office and commercial spaces, creating a live-work-play environment for academics and high-tech workers.
( Credit to: Nebraskaexaminer )
The exact cost of the project to the state remains uncertain, as the development team is still working with the Governor's Office to determine the funding amount to request from the state. While an initial $20 million was approved in 2022 to kickstart the project, the scope and expense have since increased. The development team hopes to secure additional funding from private and federal sources, with a total investment of over $600 million for the phased development of the campus.
Concerns Raised Over Funding for the Bellevue Campus
During a committee hearing, concerns were raised about the financial aspect of the project, particularly due to the unspecified dollar amount in the bill. Omaha State Sen. Mike McDonnell, the sponsor of Legislative Bill 1364, explained that the funding amount has not been determined yet as they are still assessing the next steps and considering potential additional funding requirements. However, McDonnell assured that a specific amount would be determined soon.
According to a fiscal note attached to the bill, the initial funding has been returned to the state's site and building development fund in anticipation of the yet-to-be-determined amount. The state funding is expected to be the final contribution towards the project, with the rest coming from private and federal funds.
Positive Outlook for the Bellevue Campus
Supporters of the project highlighted the importance of investing in initiatives like Prairie Hill Farm to protect citizens and propel the state forward. They emphasized that while a few other states have similar campuses, the Prairie Hill Farm stands out as a public-private partnership.
Harrison Johnson, the City of Bellevue's director of economic and community development, spoke in favor of the campus, addressing concerns about brain drain and the struggle to attract new residents. Johnson mentioned other initiatives in Bellevue, such as an inland port authority commercial district and an entertainment district, which would complement the proposed campus.
The City of Bellevue has already committed $20 million for infrastructure improvements and has acquired approximately 45 acres of land for the campus. Proponents of the project anticipate a significant return on investment, estimating that every $1 of state funds invested could generate approximately $12 for the state and local economy.
Next Steps for the Bellevue Campus
The proposed campus, owned and managed by a nonprofit organization through an agreement with the City of Bellevue, is being developed by Burlington Capital, with HDR leading the design efforts. The Banking, Commerce, and Insurance Committee did not take any action on advancing the bill to the full Legislature during the hearing, but further discussions and evaluations are expected in the future.
The Prairie Hill Farm collaboration campus has the potential to position Nebraska as a leader in cybersecurity and national security technology. With ongoing efforts to secure funding and support from lawmakers, the campus could become a hub for innovation, research, and economic growth in the state.
