LINCOLN, NEB. (April 9, 2007)—Governor Dave Heineman ushered in Community Development Week by referencing hundreds of projects in Nebraska that would not have taken place if not for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funding. He also highlighted specific economic development projects with ties to the federal grant funding.

"The CDBG program has had a dramatic impact on our ability to sustain and grow local economies throughout Nebraska," Gov. Heineman said. "Grants have helped communities perform updates to local infrastructure through street improvements, updates to water and wastewater systems, expanding options for affordable housing, and helping to build new libraries, fire stations and community centers over the years. We are very pleased to have a role in awarding CDBG funding, and I want to congratulate all of the towns being recognized as part of Community Development Week 2007 for their commitment to ensuring that their communities remain a viable and attractive place for businesses and residents. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate than to recognize some of the communities that are leading the way.”

During the past five years, $63.4 million in federal CDBG funding has been invested in 371 projects statewide, sparking $507 million in state, local and private investments. Some 43 percent of Nebraska’s CDBG distribution is invested in economic development projects, including $27.4 million that has created or retained 2,360 jobs statewide, according to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).

National Community Development Week was started in 1986 to remind Congress of the value of the CDBG program. To celebrate Community Development Week in Nebraska, Gov. Heineman presented the following awards for outstanding efforts by communities in the areas of economic development and community revitalization:

The 2007 Governor’s Showcase Community Award went to the City of Bassett (pop. 660) in Rock County.

Bassett’s accomplishments include development of a strategic action plan and formation of the Bassett Economic Development Committee; development of a downtown master plan that led to new street light banners, a new information kiosk, and “Welcome to Bassett” signage along the highway; rehabilitation of more than 60 homes; business loan, start-up, and down payment assistance for 24 businesses; the relocation of businesses from Pennsylvania and Omaha, as well as three other businesses, which brought 16 new residents; the Bassett Volunteer Fire Department, which answered 20 calls in five counties in 2006; renovation of a main street building into an incubator center; reopening of the Bassett Lodge and Range Cafe and their subsequent placement on the National Register of Historic Places; a remodeled Rock County Hospital and nursing home, and clinic addition; the 30th anniversary celebration of the Bassett Arts Council; the 18th Ranch Exposition (EXPO), which attracts more than 10,000 visitors; annual “Cleaning of the Rock” day held county-wide; a large network of youth volunteers; the hiring of a part-time economic development coordinator; and receipt of the Otto Hoiberg Award in 2004 and 2006, among others.

Hartington and Seward were recognized with the 2007 Honorary Showcase Community Awards.

Also applauded during the celebration were projects in the cities of Lincoln and Omaha.

Receiving Lincoln’s Metropolitan Award was Liberty Village. Located on Vine Street within sight of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln city campus, the Village’s 14 energy efficient homes and two town homes were designed to fit in with the surrounding Malone Neighborhood and Hawley Historic District. All are two-story homes with basements, attached garages, and front porches. Most units have been sold to low- or moderate-income households. The village cost more than $3.1 million to develop, with more than 80 percent coming from private investment. The public share of investment came from Tax Increment Financing, CDBG funding, Lincoln Capital Improvement General Funds, and the State of Nebraska Economic Development funds. Partners include: Brighton Construction Company (primary private partner), City of Lincoln Urban Development Department (primary public partner), the National Association of Homebuilders Research Center, local chapter of the American Concrete Institute, Lincoln Electric System, Fannie Mae, Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, and NeighborWorks Lincoln.

Receiving Lincoln’s Honorable Mention Awards were the Heartland Optical Center, a local vision health care provider that expanded its facility and services within the same core neighborhoods in which it was first established; the Northeast Team Police Station, Lincoln’s second neighborhood-based station located in a historic, renovated telephone switching station; and the Antelope Park Stream Channel Stabilization, which cooperatively preserved parkland while maintaining street safety.

Receiving City of Omaha Awards were Ken Lyons representing New Community Development Corporation, Denise Parker representing Augustana Cornerstone, Brother Wilmot representing GESU Housing, Inc., Sister Marilyn Ross representing Holy Name Housing Corporation, and Mike Maroney representing Omaha Economic Development Corporation—five nonprofit developers dedicated to providing low-income residents with safe, affordable housing in North and South Omaha. During the past three years, the five developers have collaboratively built 51 rental units, and 55 units for homebuyers, of which 19 were first-time homebuyers. Working with city, state and federal regulations is complex, yet these nonprofits negotiated the requirements time and again, resulting in the revitalization of some of Omaha’s oldest neighborhoods.

Receiving Omaha’s Community Development Excellence Award was the Address It Now project undertaken by a multi-agency coalition. A City of Omaha ordinance mandates that all properties be clearly addressed and identifiable in the front and back, especially where alleyways are concerned, to help emergency responders and utility workers easily and quickly locate properties. However, a survey reported that nearly 100 percent of targeted properties featured no back addresses, while 14 percent (495 properties) had no front addresses. To remedy the problem, a multi-agency was formed of six Omaha neighborhoods—Gifford Park, Joslyn Castle, Clairmont Heights, Ford Birthsite, Park East, and Miller Park-Minne Lusa, along with the Neighborhood Center for Greater Omaha, Omaha Police and Fire departments, Omaha Public Power District, Office of Mayor Mike Fahey, City Councilman Garry Gernandt, Omaha Neighborhood Scan, and North High School and Central High School. Volunteers from all agencies were able to address targeted homes—front and back—in a single day, resulting in safer, more secure neighborhoods.

For information on each community award and the program, visit the 2007 Nebraska Community Development Week/CDBG program Web site at http://crd.neded.org/ncip/cdweek.htm

Photo Gallery of press conference

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Lindsay Papenhausen at 402-471-6587, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Individuals who are hearing and/or speech impaired and have a TDD, may contact the department through the Statewide Relay System by calling one of the following numbers:
711, (800) 833- 7352 (TDD), or (800) 833-0920 (voice).
The relay operator should be asked to call DED at (800) 426-6505, or (402) 471-3111.