(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman has awarded grants totaling more than $450,000 to seven Nebraska communities to make physical improvements to civic, convention and cultural centers.

"Our community centers are gathering places where Nebraskans share stories, overcome hardships and spend time together," Gov. Heineman said. "These centers provide places for residents to congregate and welcome visitors to our great state."

This is the second time these grants have been issued. The minimum grant award is $20,000. Maximum grant amounts are based on community population.

The grants are as follows:

* Kimball is receiving $97,500 for its Event Center.

* Hastings is receiving $120,000 for the Museum of Natural and Cultural History.

* Arnold is receiving $100,000 for its Community Center.

* Miller is receiving $25,400 for its Community Hall.

* Stuart is receiving $20,000 for its White Horse Museum.

* David City is receiving $47,000 for its Municipal Auditorium.

* Maywood is receiving $40,765 for its Community Hall.

The grants are financed through the Local Civic, Cultural and Convention Center Financing Fund and are administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED). The funds are collected from state income, sales and lodging tax revenues that the convention facilities at Omaha's Qwest Center attract from out-of-state.

CONTACTS:

Aaron Sanderford, Gov’s Office, 402-471-1967
Tom Doering, DED, 402-471-3784, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it