Bellevue Defense-Tech Campus Lands Anchor Tenant, $50 Million State Commitment

Bellevue’s planned REACH defense-technology campus has secured its first anchor tenant, strengthening a project expected to bring as much as $300 million in public and private investment to the city.

Nebraska Defense Research Corp. signed an agreement to become the anchor tenant for the facility, which is focused on national-defense technology and research. Nebraska is expected to provide $50 million for the project.

A 45-acre campus near Highways 75 and 34

The broader development, described as the Prairie Hill Farm collaboration campus, is planned across about 45 acres northeast of Highways 75 and 34 in Bellevue. The site is intended to house researchers, startups, private companies and defense contractors.

The projected $300 million figure represents potential investment when the campus is fully built. It is not money already spent, and the project is not yet a completed campus.

Bellevue officials have linked the development to the city’s military and technology economy near Offutt Air Force Base. That location is central to the project’s stated purpose: creating a place where defense research, private industry and new technology companies can operate close to the base and the region’s existing military infrastructure.

Why the project matters

The campus could add defense-research activity, startups, contractors and high-skilled employment to Bellevue. The eventual number of jobs, tenants and buildings has not been finalized, so the local economic effect will depend on how much of the planned campus is ultimately developed.

Omaha Public Power District has separately identified the Bellevue area as a focus of major transmission planning in anticipation of significant growth. The utility selected a final route after public feedback and review of development and environmental considerations.

The anchor-tenant agreement is the latest concrete step for the REACH project. Public announcements have not established a construction start date or completion deadline.