(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman honored Nebraska's economic development success of the past year thanks to the Community Development Block Grant program. The Governor signed a proclamation declaring March 29 - April 3, 2005 National Community Development Week in Nebraska.

"These grant programs, which have funneled millions of dollars into projects both rural and urban, offer a backbone of support to grow good jobs in Nebraska," Gov. Heineman said. "They are an important part of the economic development mindset we need to advance our state's interests as part of the global economy."

National Community Development Week was started in 1986 to remind Congress of the value of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which helps Nebraska communities update city infrastructure, plan for future development, and attract new jobs.

There are currently more than 460 CDBG projects being administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, excluding the entitlement communities of Lincoln and Omaha. CDBG funding has helped Nebraska communities leverage substantial public and private investments. Over the past five years, the Nebraska CDBG program has invested $69 million in communities, allowing development officials to access nearly $530 million in additional private and public funding.

"My hope is that Congress will recognize the value of this program and continue its funding," Gov. Heineman said. "This program is vital to rural Nebraska."

In honor of Community Development Week, Gov. Heineman presented several awards to communities and development projects that represented outstanding efforts in community revitalization in Nebraska.

The 2005 Governor's Showcase Community Award was presented to the city of Ord.

Ord's accomplishments include: laying groundwork for a new ethanol plant in Valley County; development of youth entrepreneurship and mentoring programs; making improvements to downtown infrastructure using Community Development Block Grant funding; conducting annual business retention and expansion surveys; recruiting Timberline Total Solutions to the community, which employs 117 people; and building Grandview Independent and Assisted Living Center.

The communities of Bassett and McCook were recognized with the 2005 Honorary Showcase Community Award.

Bassett's accomplishments include: developing a strategic plan incorporating input gathered from town hall meetings and surveys; completion of a downtown master plan used to guide improvements to infrastructure, storefronts and public areas; approving a one- percent city sales tax to fund downtown improvements; beginning a county-wide revolving loan fund for business development, installation of public restrooms and showers in the historic Bassett Creamery building, which serves hikers and bikers along the Cowboy Trail; opening the Kaleidoscope Art Gallery; installing information kiosks; and planting trees at the city's entrance points.

McCook's accomplishments include: facilitating the development of two large-scale milking operations and the expansion of Silverstone facilities with CDBG funding; approving a one-percent city sales tax and earmarking half the revenues for local development projects; opened fourth new Valmont Irrigation Parts Distribution Center in U.S.; establishing a permanent ambulance base; renovating the McCook Heritage Senior Center; and forming the R.E.W.A.R.D.S. Group -- six agencies that coordinate to bring grant money to McCook.

Also applauded during the celebration were efforts in community development beyond the scope of CDBG funding.

The Grand Theatre in downtown Lincoln Douglas Theatre Co. built a state-of-the-art, 14-screen theatre in the heart of the capital city. The new theatre is projected to attract more than 1 million visitors downtown annually. Partners instrumental in the project were Lincoln city officials who negotiated with Douglas Theatre Co., to help shape the redevelopment agreement and arranged for free parking at the nearby city-owned Centerpark Garage; Erickson Sullivan Architects, who were hired by the city to work with the Douglas Theatre architect, Michael Bott and Associates to develop the building's unique facade; Hampton Construction Co., which built the theatre, and Kingery Construction, responsible for sidewalk and street landscaping improvements.

Old Mill Village in southwest Lincoln
Phase I of the mixed-income new housing project was completed in 2003 and included 15 lots, 14 purchased by participating homebuilders and one purchased by Lincoln Habitat for Humanity. Phase II will add 51 lots, including three designated as Habitat lots. The project, developed by Nebraska Housing Resource, is scheduled for completion in 2005. Public funds totaling -- $1.76 million -- came from the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund for the purchase of land and infrastructure involved in Phase II; CDBG funding for homebuyer training classes; a loan for the land purchase; and HOME funds for down payment assistance. More than $17 million in private funds came from TierOne Bank for mortgage investment and remaining lot sales.

Omaha's Gifford Park Neighborhood Association
As early as 1988 when the association was founded, residents organized a citizen patrol and in 1989, a monthly newsletter. The association has worked to develop partnerships with public and private organizations. By participating in the Destination Midtown planning effort, the association strengthened ties with area employers and businesses. Association members actively raise money for projects, such as the Omaha Police Bike Patrol and to sponsor youth activities.

Omaha 100 Incorporated
A mortgage lending program, Omaha 100 Inc., has served greater Omaha since 1991. Partnerships with Omaha, Council Bluffs, the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, and Federal Home Loan Bank of Topeka, have helped Omaha 100 Inc., provide affordable housing aid. As the U.S. Department of Treasury's first Community Development Financial Intermediary designee in the metro area, Omaha 100 Inc., has assisted with more than 680 mortgage loans totaling $35.3 million, including roughly $9.5 million from the city of Omaha, to low- and moderate-income households. The Federal Home Loan Bank and Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund have also contributed more than $350,000 in funding.

Gov. Heineman also praised the Nebraska Lied Main Street Program for its decade of service to communities statewide. During its 10 years, Nebraska Lied Main Street has helped with 1,155 building rehabilitation projects, ranging from Kollmeyer's in Fremont and Roller Hardware Building in Alliance to Midwest Theatre in Scottsbluff, and Community Players Theater in Beatrice. Thanks to program efforts, more than 360 new businesses have been established, and 1,019 new jobs created, with total community reinvestment valued at $48.5 million.

CONTACT
Aaron Sanderford, Gov.'s Office, 402-471-1967
Lindsay Papenhausen, DED, 800-426-6505