LINCOLN, NEB. (April 11, 2007)—The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED), has awarded $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to the villages of Bancroft and Lyman to update and replace components of their water and wastewater systems.

“Utilizing our CDBG public works funding to make improvements to communities’ aging water and wastewater systems helps ensure the health and well being of Nebraskans,” said Richard Baier,
DED director.

Bancroft will use its $250,000 CDBG funding to replace a portion of outfall sewer that leaks, repair manholes to prevent further infiltration, construct a new wastewater treatment facility, and abandon and seal off all existing bypass lines. Bancroft’s original sewer line was reportedly constructed in 1923 with the last segment of outfall line rebuilt in 1968 as part of the village’s existing wastewater treatment facility construction. Bancroft also has applied for a $793,700 loan from the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality to complete the project.

Lyman will use its $250,000 CDBG funding to replace approximately 15,000 linear feet of deteriorating cast iron water main, installing new valves, fittings, fire hydrants, and water meters, and replacing service line and meter reading equipment. Lyman also has received $890,170 in grant and loan funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development to complete the project.

Federal funds are made available to DED from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s CDBG program to assist with the development of businesses and communities throughout the state. Funding requests for this program are administered by DED and are available to local governments and counties in Nebraska with populations less than 50,000.

The application and grant process is a partnership of DED, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, and the Nebraska Health and Human Services System.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jason Seamann at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3761, or 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.