Gov. Heineman Announces $5.1 Million in CDBG Funding

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman announced $5.1 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for projects in 35 communities across the state. The funding will be distributed among four categories to help with new investment and infrastructure projects, primarily in Nebraska’s rural communities.

“There are many examples where a little bit of funding can make the difference in upgrades and improvements to local infrastructure,” Gov. Heineman said. “CDBG funding has helped encourage many businesses to locate in many of our communities over the years. It also serves a valuable purpose in helping small towns and villages keep up with upgrades and plan for long-term projects. Whether it’s helping fund upgrades to water mains and sidewalks, building a new community center, or reviewing available housing options, these grants have a real impact.”

Grants are distributed as part of the state’s annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The grant program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Funding for several projects is awarded in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development Office, along with the Nebraska Departments of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Health and Human Services.

Grants for public works projects total more than $3.3 million go to the following areas:

Ansley will receive $250,000 to build a new 8,300 square ft. fire station for a Rural Fire District area impacting residents in and around Ansley and Berwyn. The village will provide $360,000 in funding and in-kind contributions through a rural fire bond for the project.

Clarkson will receive $221,000 to install 5,900 linear ft. of new water main pipe and the connections needed to create a fully-looped water main system. The village will provide $101,655 in funding for the project.

David City will receive $249,977 to reconstruct D St. from the local railroad tracks east to 4th St. or U.S. Hwy. 15. The city will provide $337,100 to complete the project.

Decatur receives $250,000 to build a new senior center with updated heating and cooling systems and complies with American with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. The Sears Foundation will provide $560,900 via the Decatur Foundation for the project.

Dixon will receive $191,100 to build a new community center meeting ADA requirements with updated heating and cooling systems. The village will provide $76,500 to complete the project.

Howells will receive $242,600 for street improvements to six blocks of 3rd St., one block of Laura St. and three blocks of May St. The village will provide $76,000 to help with the project.

Loup City receives $250,000 to surface three blocks with concrete pavement and install curbs and gutters along 1st St. from N to P Sts. and along 2nd St. from L to M Sts. The city will provide $126,200 for the project.

Mitchell will receive $250,000 to pave and construct curbs, gutters and sidewalks east of Broadway in the northern part of town. The city will provide $121,000 for the project.

Primrose will receive $97,543 to repave two and a half blocks of downtown main road, Commercial St., with access to U.S. Hwy. 52. The village will provide $30,000 for the project.

Ravenna receives $250,000 to lay down concrete and install curbs, gutters and storm sewers. The project involves improvements to Grand Ave., which accommodates heavy traffic, as well as Piedmont and Kufus Sts. The city will provide $330,000 for the project.

Santee receives $200,700 to build a new fire hall for storage of equipment and a changing area for volunteer firefighters. The village will provide $80,400 to complete the project.

South Sioux City receives $250,000 for a project to improve drainage. Funding will help install new piping from West 21st to West 26th Sts. and from Dakota to 5th Ave., as well as replacing a water main along West 21st St. The city will provide $ 306,200 in sales tax revenue and water user capital funds for the project.

Valley County receives $250,000 to install a new elevator and remove architectural barriers within the Valley County Courthouse. Nearly half of those regularly using courthouse services are elderly or physically handicapped. The county will provide matching funds for renovations.

Venango will receive $250,000 to pave several residential blocks with concrete with the village contributing $80,000 to complete the project.

Wolbach will receive $136,350 to replace 11 blocks of asphalt. The village is providing $76,800.

The following planning projects will share more than $260,000:

Brule receives $20,200 to develop a comprehensive plan and zoning regulations, and conduct a blight-substandard study.

Chambers receives $25,680 to conduct a sewer system study.

Creighton receives $11,000 for a housing study.

Curtis receives $30,000 for a comprehensive plan, zoning regulations and blight-substandard study. 

Ewing receives $26,750 to conduct a sewer system study.

Fairmont receives $20,000 to undertake a streets improvement study.

Manley receives $25,000 to develop a comprehensive plan and zoning regulations and conduct a blight-substandard study.

North Loup receives $21,675 for a water system study.

Republican City receives $15,750 to develop a comprehensive plan and zoning regulations and conduct a blight-substandard study.

South Sioux City receives $30,000 to conduct a downtown treescape study.

Spalding receives $16,275 for a local water system study.

Tecumseh receives $19,200 to conduct a housing study.

Two water/wastewater projects will share $320,000 in CDBG funding:

Emmet receives $70,172 to upgrade an existing retention lagoon into a controlled discharge lagoon. DEQ will provide a $30,000 low-interest loan to complete the project.

Sutherland receives $250,000 to add a new well field and transmission line to the existing water system. USDA Rural Development will provide a $1.7 million loan for the project.

Comprehensive revitalization funds totaling nearly $1.2 million go to:

Bellevue receives $240,939 to install storm sewers, curbs and gutters, acquire easements, and improve drainage along several local blocks. The city will provide $224,300 for the upgrade.

Columbus receives $118,799 for down payment assistance and to help rehabilitate four homes. The city will provide 100 percent matching funds with NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska contributing $300,000 to acquire the properties.

Fremont will receive $139,241 to acquire and demolish vacant, dilapidated homes and rehabilitate five owner-occupied homes. Cleared lots will be deeded to Habitat for Humanity for one or more single-family units. The city will provide an additional $151,000 in funding.

Grand Island will receive $254,230 to upgrade up to four blocks of water mains, rehabilitate four owner-occupied homes, and provide down-payment assistance. The city will provide $250,000 in matching funds.

Kearney will receive $149,513 to install sidewalks and handicap ramps along approximately 30 blocks. The city will use $137,513 from its local sales tax fund for the project.

Norfolk receives $141,395 to acquire easements and demolish several vacant, dilapidated homes. The city will provide $131,495 and NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska will provide $60,000 for the project.

North Platte will receive $147,814 to pave gravel streets and improve storm water drainage in the northwest portion of the city, with local government providing 100 percent matching funds.