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(Lincoln, NE) Gov. Dave Heineman has awarded more than $3.25 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for public works and planning projects in 24 communities and counties around the state.
“Investment in our rural communities is key in helping clear the way for future economic development in many of our small towns,” Gov. Heineman said. “Many of these grants will update or replace aging facilities, and help serve as a springboard for additional growth and expansion.”
The grants are part of the state’s annual allocation of CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and are administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Public works funds are being awarded to:
Burwell – $208,500 to install a new storm sewer system in a critical development area. The goal of the project is to improve drainage in the area adjacent to L Street, which is the main route to the downtown area, by installing storm sewer pipe. Completion of this project will allow the city to move forward on paving L Street. Contact: Sandy Psota, 308-346-4509
Cedar Rapids – $250,000 to help build a new 9,100 square ft. fire hall that includes space for training. The new hall will replace the existing Quonset building originally built in the 1950s to store grain and later served as the town hall. Contact: Kim Schilousky, 308-358-0240
Clearwater – $172,600 to replace the 1960s building with a 6,500 square ft. fire hall featuring four bays. The current facility is unsafe due to its crumbling walls and ceiling. Contact: Virginia Filsinger, 402-485-2365
Dodge – $142,990 to renovate the community auditorium, which was completed in 1939. Renovations are needed to make it more accessible, which will involve rebuilding the entrance and installing an elevator and handicap-accessible restrooms. Contact: Richard Pruss, 402-693-2239
Ewing – $250,000 to help build a new 15,000 square ft. fire station that will feature eight stalls, a tool and equipment room and a combined office/radio room. Built in 1915, with an addition added in the 1960s, the current fire hall lacks adequate space, has outdated wiring cracking floors and deteriorating mortar. Contact: Karen Hahlbeck, 402-626-7718
Giltner – $250,000 to construct a new, accessible community center large enough to host community events. It will replace the current facility, which was built in 1916 and is in poor condition. The new center will feature a large assembly room for large gatherings, a kitchen, space for meetings and storage, and restrooms. Contact: Charlynn Kral Krcilek, 402-849-2800
Holbrook – $250,000 to pave 34 blocks of current gravel streets with concrete. There are currently just 11 paved blocks in downtown Holbrook and this project will improve conditions, eliminate dangerous ruts and provide for proper drainage. Contact: Ethel Watson, 308-493-5653
Humboldt – $250,000 to replace more than 5,000 feet of water and sanitary sewer lines in the central business district. This project will significantly reduce water and sewer service interruptions, and is part of a comprehensive town square enhancement project. Contact: Connie Laflin, 402-862-2171
Ithaca – $61,000 to reconstruct open channels, replace the street storm water conduit and extend 75 feet of storm sewer pipes to prevent further damage to local infrastructure, while helping to eliminate public health and safety concerns. Drainage problems have resulted in damage to local streets, as well as public and private property. Contact: Julie Hageman, 402-623-4401
Keith County – $211,000 to rehabilitate the former Lemoyne Public School for use as a senior center. The demand for senior supportive services is great in Lemoyne and the renovation will address the need for a new roof, provide an energy efficient heat and cooling system in a building with no cooling, install new windows, and create an accessible parking area. Contact: Dr. Charles Baltzell, 308-289-2606
Long Pine – $250,000 to replace the outdated fire hall with a new 5,510 square ft. station that provides ample space for fire and ambulance equipment, and to rehabilitate the adjoining building that serves as a community center. Built in 1915, the Palace opened as a silent movie theater and today hosts local fairs, receptions and other events. The building lacks handicapped-accessible facilities and needs new plumbing and electrical systems. Contact: Susan Brown, 402-273-4120
Ord – $250,000 to pave several blocks and replace sanitary sewers, water mains, storm sewer inlets along several streets. Additionally, six fire hydrants and seven manholes will be replaced. Contact: Sandy Kruml, 308-278-5791
Pierce County – $80,250 to install a new elevator and make the Pierce County Courthouse accessible to all residents. Currently, the second floor is only accessible by staircase. Contact: Carol Peter, 402-329-4225
Platte Center – $67,800 to purchase a grass-rig fire truck to replace two outdated trucks. In 2005, the Platte Center Rural Fire District responded to 23 calls, half of which were grass and field fires. Of those fires, many were along railroad right-of-ways or in wetland areas. The current tanker trucks are not equipped to maneuver through rough terrain, resulting in slower response times and greater fire damage. Contact: Gary Penne, 402-246-9204 or 402-270-3070
Rock County – $240,800 to remodel and expand the Rock County Clinic. Built in Bassett in 1981, the rural health clinic has been home to physicians since 1989. The project will expand the pharmacy, allow for an additional exam room and make the building accessible to all residents. Contact: Joyce Stahl, 402-684-3933
Winnebago – $51,820 to purchase a new grass-rig fire truck to serve a 126 sq. mile radius, the majority of which is forest, grass or agricultural cropland. Contact: Ramona Baker, 402-878-2938
Winside – $130,400 to rehabilitate and update the city auditorium. Built in 1939, it lacks handicapped access and air conditioning. Energy efficient windows will also be installed as part of the renovation. Contact: Carol Brugger, 402-286-4422
Planning funds are being awarded to:
Bridgeport – $25,000 for a water system study to locate suitable well fields and distribution systems and manage contaminants. Contact: Finley DeGraffenreid, 308-262-1623
Creighton – $20,100 to prepare a comprehensive plan the city will use in planning for land use, updated zoning ordinances, and the development of transportation, public facilities and other services. Contact: Carmen Jacobs, 402-358-3557
Dodge – $9,500 to develop an engineering report for improvements to the community’s wastewater collection and treatment systems. Contact: Richard Pruss, 402-693-2239
Elm Creek – $25,000 to prepare a downtown master plan for improvements for public infrastructure in the central business district. Contact: Wendy Stephens, 308-856-4624
Haigler – $13,000 to evaluate the current water system and help guide future decisions on the location of well fields and updates to infrastructure. Contact: Myrna Mulligan, 308-297-3414
Knox County – $17,200 to update the county’s comprehensive plan, which will include planning for future land use, along with public facilities and services, and a review of zoning ordinances. Contact: Joanne Fischer, 402-288-5604
Petersburg – $8,500 to conduct a housing study to determine future residential needs in the community. Contact: Jeanne Stokes, 402-386-5288
Weeping Water – $15,700 to conduct a water system study of the current condition, capacity and reliability in serving industrial and residential customers. Contact: Kay Gerdes, 402-267-5152.
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