July 11, 2005

Investment in rural communities is important to the vitality of our small towns and an important element of statewide economic health. My administration is very involved in trying to secure the stability of programs that help strengthen local economies and the Community Development Block Grant program is one tool we’ve used to help achieve that goal.

I recently awarded 21 communities in rural Nebraska with CDBG funding for public works and planning projects to help update and modernize local infrastructure. These grants will be used by communities in a variety of ways to improve local service and make our small towns even better places to live.

Several of the projects receiving funding this year include the building and renovation of fire and rescue stations, upgrades to senior centers and public libraries, water and street improvements, as well as funds to plan for community growth.

I also had the opportunity to travel to Deweese, a community of 74 people, to present CDBG funding to help create new jobs in this village. The fact that a new business and a dozen new jobs are coming to a town of this size shows true commitment to the economic development we’ve seen in numerous communities around the state.

The financial commitment for these projects totals nearly $3.5 million and represents just a small sample of the kinds of economic development efforts taking place in communities across the state. In 2004, more than 100 projects were awarded funding to help support community development efforts, with a majority of grants going to infrastructure, business expansion and development planning projects.

The CDBG program helps to support local infrastructure and enhancement projects around the state with a special emphasis placed on communities in greater Nebraska. Time and time again, we’ve seen these grants help to remove barriers to growth and serve as a springboard for additional expansion. Participation in the CDBG program is evidence of a community’s determination to make growth and development a priority.

Nebraska has spent these dollars wisely by investing in projects that are important to our rural communities, and I am especially pleased whenever these grants can help to support the creation of new jobs. Helping smaller communities grow plays a key role in our efforts to continue to strengthen our state economy.

The CDBG funds are part of the state’s annual allocation provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program is directed by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, which assists in the development of businesses and communities throughout the state. Our economic development team has tremendous commitment to this program and their hard work has been instrumental, not only in encouraging communities to participate in the grant process, but also in assisting in planning for a wide-range of expansion and development taking place around the state.

I would also like to commend the many local officials, organizations and companies committed to revitalization of our communities. Their efforts are helping to update infrastructure, improve local services, attract tourism and new residents, as well as encourage the development and expansion of quality businesses here in Nebraska.

Our efforts to lay the groundwork for future growth continue, and I am confident that we will build on the success we’ve seen already this year for the benefit of our entire state.