LINCOLN, NEB (July 21, 2005)--Gov. Dave Heineman announced more than $2.1 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for 10 Nebraska communities that will help local governments and utilities repair or update existing water and wastewater systems.

“These grants will help some of our smallest communities upgrade aging water systems that are not only vital to ensuring the availability of clean water, but also to the future growth of these communities,” Gov. Heineman said.

The funding is part of Nebraska’s annual allocation from the community development grant program of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) administers the program.

The application process for water and wastewater grants involves several agencies, including DED, U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (USDA-RD), the Nebraska Health and Human Services System and the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

Water improvement projects that will receive CDBG funding include:

Bartley & Indianola will use a combined $393,000 to construct a well field and transmission mains as part of a regional water system, providing water for residents in Bartley, Cambridge and Indianola. The regional system will help reduce contaminants in area water supplies and boost water pressure. USDA-RD has awarded additional loan and grant funding of $231,000 for Bartley and $2.1 million for Indianola to complete the project. Contacts: Donna Rawn in Bartley, (308) 692-3222 or Ona Malleck in Indianola, (308) 364-2413

Boelus/Howard City will receive $250,000 to construct a well and 100,000-gallon storage reservoir, as well as install water mains, distribution lines and meters. The village currently has only one in-town groundwater well, which limits pumping capacity. An existing water tower built in the 1930s provides insufficient water to meet daily demands, in addition to the reserve needed in the event of a fire. The new system will provide improved water quality, flow and pressure and help conserve water. The USDA-RD has awarded additional loan and grant funding of $485,000 for the project. Contact: Gene Whitefoot, (308) 996-4357

Colon will receive $250,000 to install a link to the city of Wahoo’s municipal water system and replace water mains in high-use areas to solve the problem of elevated levels of contaminants in local supply wells. The Lower Platte North Natural Resources District will own, operate and maintain the village’s new water system. The USDA-RD has awarded additional loan and grant funding of $564,000 for the project. Contact: Dorothy Warfield, (402) 647-2705

Cordova will receive $250,000 to install water transmission mains, water meters and other components needed to link to the city of Friend’s municipal water system, as a result of contaminants in local wells. Cordova will purchase water from the city of Friend, but will own, operate and maintain its municipal water system. An additional $782,000 in loan and grant funding is currently pending from the USDA-RD, and an additional $8,400 from local funds will help complete the project. Contact: Tammy Sladek, (402) 576-3106

Holbrook receives $250,000 to install a water transmission line linking the village with the Arapahoe water system, where the village will also begin purchasing water. The project also will replace a cast-iron water main, install water meters for all users and renovate a local water tower. The existing water system has concentrations of contaminants, which requires the village to find an alternative water source. The USDA-RD has awarded additional loan and grant funding of $886,000. Contact: Ethel Watson, (308) 493-5653

Plainview will receive $250,000 to replace the existing municipal wastewater system with a four-lagoon treatment system and lift station that brings the city into compliance for levels of contaminants discharged, as mandated by DEQ. DEQ has approved a $1 million loan from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund to help complete the project. Contact: Shelley Springer, (402) 582-4928

Talmage will receive $8,300 to evaluate the physical condition, capacity and reliability of its municipal water system, which was built in 1950. The study will help provide solutions and cost estimates for further action. According to a 2003 community survey, residents ranked water issues as the most pressing need facing the community. The village will contribute an additional $2,500 to complete the project. Contact: Carol Bruggeman, 402-264-3715

Western will receive $250,000 for projects including the construction of a supply well and a 100,000 gallon elevated water storage reservoir, as well as the maintenance of existing wells, installation of a transmission main, water meters and distribution lines throughout the village. Lower water levels have led to problems with existing wells that do not pump efficiently, resulting in dangerously low water pressure. USDA-RD has awarded additional loan and grant funding of $950,000 to help complete the project. Contact: Arlene Roesler, 402-433-2861

Wilcox receives $250,000 to construct a well field, install water meters and transmission mains and renovate a 75,000 gallon water storage facility. Area officials and representatives from DED, USDA-RD, the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Twin Platte Natural Resource District and others have discussed the need for improved water quality. Wilcox and the village of Ragan will jointly use the water system, providing a cost-effective alternative to building a new system. An additional $918,000 in loan and grant funding pending from USDA-RD will help complete the project. Contact: Melinda Ferree, 308-478-5510

CONTACT:
Aaron Sanderford, Gov’s Office, 402-471-1967
Patty Wood, DED, 402-471-1559