Grand Island becomes an Economic Development Certified Community

GRAND ISLAND, NEB. (September 22, 2006)—Governor Dave Heineman was in Grand Island today to recognize the city’s achievement of becoming a Nebraska Economic Development Certified Community.

“Grand Island's productive and progressive attitude toward economic development ensures that it will continue to be a model of growth for mid-sized cities in Nebraska, said Gov. Heineman. “This community has done an excellent job of seizing opportunities for growth and seeking additional investment."

Grand Island’s booming economic development growth can be attributed in part to its access to key transportation modes and infrastructure. For example, both the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroads run through Grand Island. Three U.S. and one state highway (U.S. 30, 34 and 281, and Nebraska Highway 2) intersect in the city. Three interchanges provide easy access between I-80 and Grand Island. A number of positive working relationships also have been established between the city, Central Community College, Grand Island Area Chamber of Commerce, and Hall County Board of Supervisors among others.

Grand Island officials have taken advantage of incentives to attract new and expanding businesses. The city’s LB 840 program (Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act) has helped fund projects including Standard Iron, Heritage Storage and Disposal, Love Signs, CXT, Inc., an LB Foster Company, and J.C. Doyle, and creating 3,430 jobs in the process. Passage of a half cent sales tax, in which the Grand Island Area Economic Development Corporation (GIAEDC) was instrumental, has been used to help expand the city library, construct a law enforcement center and fire station #1, renovate the Grand Generation Center, and put toward future infrastructure needs and property tax relief. The GIAEDC also has provided support for Grand Island’s Heartland Events Center, and the public school bond and Hall County corrections bond issues.

The Nebraska Economic Development Certified Communities program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats, Inc., and development partners, and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, provides technical assistance to communities throughout the application process. It is one of only a few national programs geared to economic development preparedness.

To qualify for certification, Nebraska communities must meet criteria described in the application form. The certification process is ongoing and noncompetitive. Communities that exhibit the required documented economic development readiness as specified in the program criteria, and approved by a review committee will earn certification. Each applicant is judged against standards that include organization, local industry target identification and workforce issues, infrastructure, local financing and business assistance, building and site availability, and other program parameters.

ED certified communities now total seven in Nebraska. Joining Grand Island are Auburn, Fremont, Holdrege, Norfolk, Ord, and South Sioux City.

Gallery of press conference photos

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Linda Black at 308-995-8742, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it