Omaha City Council Delays $411 Million Wastewater Project Vote

Councilmembers voice concerns over contractor selection and lack of bidding process

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The Omaha City Council has delayed a vote on a $411 million expansion of the Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility, citing concerns raised by councilmembers and other stakeholders. The project has been in the works for years, with McCarthy Building Companies selected as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor. However, Hawkins Construction submitted an unsolicited bid claiming they could complete the work for over $75 million less. Councilmembers questioned the lack of a competitive bidding process and said they were being asked to remove a requirement for the contractor to bid out subcontractor work.

Why it matters

This project is a critical infrastructure upgrade for the Omaha metro area, but the council's concerns over the contractor selection and bidding process have led them to delay the vote. The decision highlights the importance of transparency and competitive bidding in large public works projects to ensure taxpayer funds are spent responsibly.

The details

The city is looking to upgrade the Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility along the Missouri River, which is a key piece of the area's wastewater infrastructure. Last week, councilmembers peppered city officials with questions about the project, including why Hawkins Construction's unsolicited bid for over $75 million less was not considered. Public Works Assistant Director Jim Theiler stated there was no legal basis to consider Hawkins' bid, as the CMAR contractor selection process had already been completed. However, councilmembers argued there was language requiring the contractor to bid out subcontractor work, which they were now being asked to remove.

  • The Omaha City Council was scheduled to vote on the $411 million project on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.
  • The council delayed the vote and said an amendment will be proposed.
  • The council is now set to reconsider the proposal on April 7, 2026.

The players

Omaha City Council

The governing body of the city of Omaha, Nebraska that is responsible for approving major infrastructure projects and expenditures.

McCarthy Building Companies

The construction firm selected as the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) contractor for the $411 million Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility expansion project.

Hawkins Construction

A construction company that submitted an unsolicited bid claiming they could complete the same work for over $75 million less than the selected CMAR contractor.

Jim Theiler

The Assistant Public Works Director for the city of Omaha who stated there was no legal basis to consider Hawkins Construction's unsolicited bid.

Platte Institute

A public policy organization that voiced strong opposition to the $411 million project at the Omaha City Council meeting.

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What they’re saying

“We had a lot of questions after last Tuesday, and we've had I've had several meetings and I think it is it's prudent to lay this over.”

— Danny Begley, Omaha City Council President (KETV)

“I've not spoken in this chamber since I left the city council in 2009. So for an issue to bring me out of retirement must be significant.”

— Chris Hawkins (KETV)

“There's specific language that requires bidding. Now we're being asked to remove it. I mean, it's that simple.”

— Aimee Melton, Omaha City Councilmember (KETV)

What’s next

The Omaha City Council is set to reconsider the $411 million Papillion Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility expansion proposal on April 7, 2026. Details on the proposed changes to the project have yet to be officially presented.

The takeaway

This delay highlights the importance of transparency and competitive bidding processes in large public infrastructure projects. The Omaha City Council's concerns over the contractor selection and lack of a bidding requirement demonstrate the need to ensure taxpayer funds are spent responsibly and that all qualified contractors have a fair opportunity to participate.