The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded $2,800,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to eight Nebraska communities to complete Phase II (implementation) in the Downtown Revitalization category. These projects are designed to provide resources for commercial rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements within the downtowns of the communities selected.
The CDBG Downtown Revitalization Category is open to CDBG non-entitlement incorporated municipalities throughout Nebraska. Grants are administered by DED from the State’s annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Communities that successfully completed the planning phase had the opportunity to apply for Phase II resources in order to describe how they would implement CDBG-eligible activities as defined in their approved plans.
Below are brief descriptions about the eight communities that will be undertaking Phase II projects and their awards:
Beatrice (pop. 12,388) —$350,000 in CDBG funds to complete façade improvements, and other commercial improvements in order to continue to revitalize the historic character of the downtown. The City’s matching contribution is approximately $105,000. Contact Gregory A. Butcher at 402-228-5211, or gbutcher@beatrice.ne.gov
Brownville (pop. 128) —$350,000 in CDBG funds to implement commercial rehabilitation and public facility improvements to the Village’s downtown buildings and resources. Although small in size, the community is large in character as this historic riverboat town, established in 1854, is home to over 15 annual events that attracts several thousand visitors per year. The Village’s matching contribution is approximately $87,500. Contact Kay Fish at 402-825-4551, or brownvilleclerk@gmail.com
Creighton (pop. 1,120) —$350,000 in CDBG funds to implement façade improvements, and other commercial rehabilitation activities in order to minimize potential slum and blight conditions. The City’s matching contribution is approximately $105,000. Contact Ronda York at 402-358-3557, or at ccreigh@gpcom.net
Crete (pop. 7,037) —$350,000 in CDBG funds to implement a commercial rehabilitation program in order to revitalize the City’s historic downtown. The City’s matching contribution is approximately $87,500. Contact Tom Ourada at 402-826-4312, or at tourada@crete-ne.gov
Kearney (pop. 33,021) —$350,000 in CDBG funds to improve public facilities within the downtown. The City’s matching contribution is approximately $190,000. Contact Eric Hellriegel at 308-233-3230, or ehellriegel@kearneygov.org
Minden (pop. 3,006) —$350,000 in CDBG funds to implement commercial rehabilitation; public facility improvements; and removal of architectural barriers to the City’s downtown buildings and infrastructure. The City’s matching contribution is approximately $150,000. Contact Matt Cederburg at 308-832-1820, or mcederburg@mindennebraska.org
Neligh (pop. 1,527)—$350,000 in CDBG funds to implement commercial rehabilitation activities, including façade improvements within the downtown district. The City’s matching contribution is approximately $105,000. Contact Danielle Klabenes at 402-887-4066, or dana@neligh.org
Superior (pop. 1,884)—$350,000 in CDBG funds to implement façade improvements and to improve sidewalks, curbs, and intersections in order to restore the character of this unique Victorian community. The City’s matching contribution is approximately $725,000. Contact Jan Diehl at 402-879-4713, or jdiehl@cityofsuperior.net
For information about DED’s downtown revitalization process, contact Brian Gaskill at 800-426-6505, 402-471-2280, or brian.gaskill@nebraska.gov.
Media Contact Kate Ellingson at 1-800-426-6505, 1-402-471-3749 or email kate.ellingson@nebraska.gov