Gov. Heineman Awards $2.9 Million in Economic Development Funding

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman awarded nearly $2.9 million in funding for community infrastructure projects and affordable housing endeavors in several Nebraska cities.

"This funding plays an important role for Nebraska communities as they address new challenges in expanding local economies," Gov. Heineman said. "I'm very pleased to award grants to these ten projects and look forward to seeing the results."

The Governor awarded more than $1.38 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to seven communities undertaking housing and infrastructure revitalization projects. The CDBG funding was allocated through the new comprehensive revitalization category, designed to provide more flexibility for projects that enhance neighborhoods with concentrations of low-income residents. Federal grant funds are administered through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Eight communities with populations ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 were invited to participate in the community revitalization grant process last year. Seven communities completed the application process and received $8,000 in CDBG funding to conduct a needs assessment and develop a revitalization strategy, creating an action plan that targets the housing and public works needs of low-income persons.

The following represent the first set of projects receiving funding for 2006-2008:

The city of Bellevue will use more than $280,000 in CDBG funding to install sidewalks, improve drainage along several streets and rehabilitate owner-occupied housing. The city will provide $323,500 in leveraged funds. Contact Phil Davidson at 402-293-3052 or via e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The city of Columbus will use $138,400 in CDBG funding to pave streets and make sanitary sewer improvements. The city will provide $128,700 in leveraged funds. Contact Joe Mangiamelli at 402-562-4233 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Fremont will receive $160,500 in CDBG funding to purchase and clear two vacant properties and rehabilitate five owner-occupied homes in the south-central part of town. The city will apply $151,000 in leveraged funds toward improving streets and replacing water mains. Habitat for Humanity will provide additional assistance to build single-family homes on the cleared properties. Contact Jan Rise at 402-727-2624 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Grand Island will use more than $296,000 in CDBG funding to rehabilitate as many as 10 homes in the historic downtown district. The city will provide more than $245,000 in leveraged funds for street paving, fire hydrants, down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers, and improvements to the senior center. Contact Marsha Kaslon at 308-385-5444 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The city of Kearney will invest more than $174,000 in CDBG funding to pave a street and parking area near a neighborhood park and install sidewalks in the city's target area. The city's $162,145 in leveraged funds will help support the project. Contact Amber Brown at 308-233-3212 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Norfolk will use $164,700 in CDBG funding to purchase and clear five vacant, dilapidated properties in the south-central part of town. The city will invest $153,200 in leveraged funds for street, water and sewer improvements, as well as owner-occupied housing rehabilitation. Elkhorn Valley Community Development Corp. and Habitat for Humanity will provide additional assistance. Contact Elizabeth Deck at 402-844-2012 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

North Platte will receive more than $172,000 in CDBG funding to pave a block of donated land in the city's northwest district, which will be developed for single-family homes. The city will provide more than $181,000 in leveraged funds to pave additional streets in the area. The Lincoln County Community Development Corp. will provide additional assistance to relocate single-family homes to the property. Contact Judy Clark at 308-535-6724 or via e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

In addition to awarding funding to CDBG recipients, the Governor recognized the work of three projects with more than $1.51 million in HOME funding to advance affordable housing efforts through the Nebraska Affordable Housing Program.

The following development projects will receive funding:

Keith County Housing Development Corporation of Ogallala, will receive $592,000 in HOME funds to build 16 townhouses on land occupied by the former Ogallala Community Hospital. Additional financing for the project includes $1.8 million in equity generated through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits awarded by the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA), and $437,000 in deferred developer fees and private financing. The Great West Townhome, L.L.C., will provide duplexes available for rent by low- and moderate-income households.

Nebraska Housing Resource, Inc. of Lincoln, will receive $625,000 in HOME funds to acquire vacant land and build 12 single-family houses in Lincoln's Old Mill Village. Additional financing for the project includes $1.09 million in equity from NIFA Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $330,000 in private financing. The CROWN rent-to-own project involves housing located throughout the subdivision's 131 lots. Each house will be rented to low- and moderate-income families, couples or individuals with the goal of helping resident transition into home ownership.

Holy Name Housing Corporation of Omaha, will receive $300,000 in HOME funds to build 24 single family, rent-to-own homes on north Omaha lots. Additional financing includes $3.2 million in equity generated through NIFA Low-Income Housing Tax Credits and $200,000 private funding. The North Omaha Crown V rent-to-own project will be available to low-income individuals and families.

Gallery of press release photos.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Aaron Sanderford, Gov's Office, 402-471-1967

Ashley Cradduck, Gov's Office, 402-471-1970

Patty Wood, DED, 402-471-1559