Gov. Heineman Awards $128,400 in Community Development Funding

(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman has awarded $128,400 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to assist six communities with ongoing planning efforts leading to continued growth and development.

"Investment in our rural communities is important to the continued vitality of Nebraska's small towns," Gov. Heineman said. "In many cases, these grants serve as a springboard for additional expansion and investment."

Grants are part of Nebraska's annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds are administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development. These awards mark the third cycle of funding for planning projects from 2005 CDBG allocations.

Communities receiving funding include:

Bennington will receive $25,000 to conduct a downtown redevelopment study that includes updating streetscapes and infrastructure.

Maskell will receive $8,100 to conduct a study of the village's existing water system in order to develop a modernization and replacement schedule.

Morrill will receive $28,000 to begin a feasibility study for a potential regional water system and well field supplying the communities of Mitchell, Morrill, Lyman, and Henry.

Nebraska City will receive $22,400 to expand and update an existing blight study involving the city's business corridors.

Paxton will receive $25,000 to conduct a community needs assessment, develop and adopt a comprehensive plan for zoning and subdivision regulations, and perform a housing market study.

St. Edward will receive $19,900 to update zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations. A blight determination study also will be conducted to identify areas where public and private improvements can be made.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

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

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

Dave Miller, DED, 402-471-3775