Infrastructure Replacement Program 2024 Progress Report

Work to replace and update critical natural gas and water distribution infrastructure continued in 2024.

District and contracted crews replaced 34 miles of cast iron gas mains and replaced or assessed nearly 21.5 miles of high risk water mains through the infrastructure replacement program last year. Since the infrastructure replacement program’s inception in 2008, we have replaced nearly 484 miles of cast iron gas mains and replaced nearly 168 miles of high risk water mains.

Whenever possible, we work in conjunction with road projects or the City of Omaha’s combined sewer separation work to save money and minimize inconvenience to our customers and the community.

Much of the funding for future cast iron gas main replacement work will come from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure Safety and Modernization grant program. In 2024, the District was selected to receive a $25.2 million grant to fund this work, a follow-up from the $10 million awarded in 2023. Gas and water rates include monthly fees to provide long-term funding for the program. The District also issues bonds, as needed, to help fund infrastructure replacement.

To stay up to date on infrastructure projects, visit our interactive map. If a project will impact your neighborhood, we’ll keep you informed through mailings and posts on the Nextdoor app. To learn more about what to expect during an IR project, check out this brief video.