NCIP Intent to Enter deadline is June 1

LINCOLN (March 28, 2006)—Communities have until June 1 to submit an “Intent to Enter” and Government Resolution to participate in the 2006 Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP). Award nominations for community and economic development projects and programs are due by September 5. Award guides are available on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip

Since 1963, NCIP has assisted communities with meeting challenges and building on their strengths and resources to form a vision for the future. Nebraska communities and multi-communities with populations of 50,000 or less are eligible to participate. The program annually recognizes communities for improvements made during the past year, with an emphasis on achievements of grassroots volunteers.

Communities participating in NCIP and involving citizens in planning efforts have, time and again, accomplished many projects, including developing technology centers and recycling programs, promoting regional tourism, revitalizing downtowns, improving public facilities, developing housing, recruiting and expanding businesses, beautifying communities, and developing festivals, events, and community leaders.

Community leaders may submit award nominations for individual project accomplishments and/or an overall community development process that encompasses planning, leadership development, and a variety of community accomplishments. Qualifying youth from participating NCIP communities may be nominated for the “Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service Award.” Communities also may submit a Founders Award for an intergovernmental project or program.

NCIP is a partnership between the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the University of Nebraska, and the following investor-owned utilities that sponsor the program and provide funds for judging expenses, plaques and cash awards: Aquila, Northern Natural Gas, Glenwood Telephone, Great Plains Communications, Inc., Kinder Morgan, Inc., Qwest, and NorthWestern Energy.

For more information about NCIP visit the NCIP website at http://crd.neded.or/ncip, or contact Helen Hecox at 800-426-6505.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Helen Hecox, toll-free at 800-426-6505, 402-471-4168, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it