Bassett is the county seat of Rock County and located in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills. Like many rural communities, Bassett has struggled to retain its population and way of life. In 1994, the community took a pivotal step in overcoming this challenge by creating a systematic development plan that triggered a series of community development projects.

In 1994, Bassett was awarded its first CDBG housing rehabilitation grant from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (NEDED). In order to use these funds effectively and efficiently, the City of Bassett created a systematic plan for development. In the same year, the City of Bassett obtained another planning grant from NEDED to create a Strategic Action Plan for the community. After completing a community needs assessment survey and having a sequence of public meetings, the City's Strategic Action Plan was developed.

Sixteen items were pinpointed as priority needs for the community. The number one priority identified by the community was new business/new job creation. In order to meet this demand, the City established the Bassett/Rock County Economic Development Committee with representatives from the City Council, County Commissioners, and other entities within the community. The economic development committee immediately began working on a plan to attract new business and retain the existing businesses.

In 1996, the City of Bassett and Rock County were honored as Nebraska's smallest Lied Main Street community. After receiving this award, the community decided to consolidate the Main Street Committee and Bassett/Rock County Economic Development Committee to create the new Bassett/Rock County Chamber of Commerce.

In 1998, five new businesses or new owners of existing businesses had their grand-openings. The Chamber established a revolving loan program with funds from LB 144 that gave the City of Bassett and other entities money to assist new and existing businesses. Several main street businesses utilized these funds to renovate their storefronts. During this time, the old Phillips 66 station was renovated and today serves as the headquarters for the Chamber of Commerce.

In 1999, the Chamber began the "Memory Lane Park" project. An old-town facade was constructed over a boardwalk, and the mini-park became a wonderful place to have community play performances, concerts, community picnics, and other activities. The park was honored in 2000 as one of the "top rural initiatives" in the State of Nebraska.

Meanwhile, the City Hall building had many infrastructure needs that required immediate attention. In order to correct a major surface water problem, storm sewer drainage work was completed west and north of the football field in 1995 and in 1998. Storm drains were also constructed south of Highway 20, this alleviated two of the biggest problem areas where surface water was retained.

Water quality, pressure, and supply were third on the priority list. After studying the situation, the City found that the pressure was adequate, but many homes had old water line taps that needed to be replaced. In 1999, new water taps and approximately 300 feet of new water line was installed.

Recreational facilities and programming for teens, adults and the aged were the next development priorities for the community. The Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the City and the IOOF Lodge, renovated the main floor of the Lodge building located on Main Street to create the "Bassett Rec Room." This space is used by area youth for teen activities and as a community meeting room. Many volunteers and lots of hours made this project a reality. The Rock County Senior Center was also created and has been a mainstay for social and recreational programs for the senior generation. The City also owns 80 acres west of Bassett that are being developed for recreational use. Currently, the community has two ball fields, walking trails, and a target shooting area.

In 1997, Bassett applied for and received a planning grant that helped the City to develop a new comprehensive development plan and zoning regulations. In 1998, the City applied for and received another planning grant to develop a downtown master plan. This master plan formed a strategy to make improvements to curbs, gutters and sidewalks, and created historic lighting, refurbished storefronts, and addressed economic restructuring and historic preservation. A construction grant was awarded in 2001 to make the physical improvements outlined in the master plan. City sales taxes also contributed to the financing of these construction activities.

In 1998, the City purchased $10,000 worth of surplus millings from the Department of Roads in order to hard-surface two blocks of Park Street. Since that time, the City has utilized surplus millings to hard surface 10-12 more blocks working towards the end goal of hard-surfacing every street within the city.

The City improved its sanitary sewer collection system with the help of a grant it received from NEDED. The project was completed in 1998 and consisted of pressure grouting, lining and replacement of different parts of the collection system.

In 1999, the City was awarded funds to increase the availability of rental housing. This grant provided down payment assistance for persons wishing to buy or build a home. Over 60 homes have received improvements from either CDBG housing rehabilitation grants or Homeownership Opportunity Program funds. The Bassett Housing Committee and the City Council established their own fund to assist in the removal of construction debris for persons interested in demolishing obsolete buildings.

In 2001, the Chamber of Commerce publicly announced the Bassett Volunteer Fire Department and Rock County Ambulance Service needed a new fire truck. Funds were raised for this purchase by implementing a one-percent city sales tax that used earnings to cover capital expenditures. Approximately 10 months after the tax collection began, the firemen upgraded from a 1951 to a 1981 fire truck.

Bassett also gave due attention to improving the City's garbage service, transportation services for the elderly, and local library. The Rock County Senior Center has a handicap van that is used for delivery of Meals-on-Wheels and it also provides transportation for the elderly to the Rock County Clinic, Hospital, Long-Term Care, grocery store, etc. The local library recently purchased a new bookmobile and is in the process of creating a public computer lab.

There are other projects that have not yet been highlighted, such as the Federal tree program that revitalized the city's forest; the Cowboy Trail Development grant; the DEQ grant that closed and covered the city's unlicensed landfill; and the on-going blight study funded by a planning grant awarded by NEDED. In total, Bassett residents have been recipients of over $2,500,000.00 in grant funds since 1985 and the recipient of 21 Nebraska Community Improvement Awards since 1986.

The Strategic Action Plan created in 1994 gave the City of Bassett a road map for future community improvement and economic development. The City met success by developing the infrastructure and acquiring the funds necessary to maintain and service the improvements made to the community.

Contact Information

Basset Community and Economic Development
www.co.rock.ne.us/bassett.htm
(402) 684-3338

Rick Zubrod (DED Representative)
(402) 471-3762   •   (800) 426-6505
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