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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman and the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (DAS) joined the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce and the City of Omaha today in announcing the opening of the state parking garage at 1313 Harney St. to public parking 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The state has installed a new electronic parking and gate system at its Omaha Park II garage, which will encourage easy access to and from the facility after normal business hours and on weekends. The automated system allows people to pay for parking with cash, Visa or MasterCard.
"We have been preaching the need for public-private partnerships, and this is another example of how state and local governments can work together with the private sector to assist in the growth of local businesses with common-sense approaches," Gov. Heineman said. "I am pleased to offer another parking option for Nebraskans and our guests from other states."
Video surveillance cameras also were installed and will be monitored by state security for the protection of patrons. Omaha Park II is near most downtown businesses, as well as Old Market shops, restaurants, theaters and the Gene Leahy Mall, which combined host more than a million visitors each year. Limited parking at the garage has always been available to the public during normal business hours, from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Evening and weekend visitors had been unable to park. Now, after-hours parking during the week will cost 75 cents an hour. Weekend parking will cost 50 cents an hour.
Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey said, "This outstanding news benefits businesses and visitors alike to Omaha's Old Market and Missouri Riverfront Districts. Downtown Omaha plays host to a growing number of festivals, concerts and attractions which help make Omaha the great city it is to live, work and play … and now with this expansion, park, too!"
Greater Omaha Chamber President and CEO David G. Brown said, "The availability of affordable, convenient parking complements the phenomenal growth and revitalization of Omaha's increasingly vibrant downtown area. We applaud the state for working with downtown businesses and organizations to increase parking availability."
DAS Director Lori McClurg said, "It was never feasible for us to staff the garage 24 hours a day for the public’s use. With the automated system, we can offer parking to citizens and generate revenue for the state while benefiting the local economy."
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