Comment period runs February 19-March 22

FEBRUARY 4, 2010 (LINCOLN, NEB.)—If you have opinions you want to share about the 2009 Annual Action Plan and Proposed 2010 Annual Action Plan, now’s your chance to weigh in.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is running a public comment period, February 19-March 22 due to proposed changes in its Economic Development funding category.  The Department is proposing amendments to:

• increase the maximum award amount from $500,000 to $1 million as a guideline for any project in the Economic Development category;
• increase the award amount from $750,000 to $1 million as a guideline for any speculative industrial park project;
• modify the maximum amount of loan forgiveness up to the total award amount benefitting a business; and
• remove the aggregate maximum annual amount awarded for speculative building or industrial park projects (previously set at $5 million).
• increase the amount of funds available for distribution in the Tourism category to $900,000; increase the maximum award amount from   $200,000 to $300,000, and modify the matching requirements.

Both Plans involve annual distribution of about $12 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), $5 million HOME program, and $500,000 Emergency Shelter Grant Program funds; $300,000 Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS funds; plus $1.5 million Homeless Shelter Assistance Trust Funds.

The 2009 Annual Action Plan also includes distribution of $8 million Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Funds (NAHTF) while the Proposed 2010 Annual Action Plan will distribute $4 million NAHTF.

Both Plans describe program priorities and strategies, application schedules, eligible activities, and project selection criteria, and are available at: http://www.neded.org/content/view/183/674/ , or can be requested by contacting Libby Elder at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3762, or emailing requests to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mail or email written comments by March 22 to Libby Elder, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, P.O. Box 94666, Lincoln, NE 68509-4666; or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Your comments will be accepted starting February 19.

People who need accommodations including interpreter services, Braille, large print, or recorded materials should contact Libby Elder by February 12.
Los individuos no hablan Inglés y los individuos con discapacidad podrán solicitar las ayudas y servicios auxiliares necesarios para la participación de contacto con el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico PO Box 94666, Lincoln, Nebraska 68509-4666, o This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it