LINCOLN, NEB. (Aug. 3, 2005)--Governor Dave Heineman announced $339,500 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to assist three tourism development projects in Columbus, Cherry County and Red Willow County through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).

“I am pleased that this funding is available to help support the continued development of Nebraska’s endless opportunities,” Gov. Heineman said. “Tourism is the third leading industry in Nebraska, and is responsible for creating and sustaining more than 43,000 jobs across the state. It’s clear that our investment in tourism has paid off, not only for our state, but for local economies as well. These grants will help expand the already diverse offerings available to visitors at three destinations around Nebraska.”

CDBG funding is available through the Nebraska Tourism Development Initiative (TDI). Established in 1998, the TDI program helps fund tourism projects that are expected to have a long-term positive impact on local and regional economies and already attract financial support. To qualify for funding as part of the TDI program, projects must involve the development of new tourism attractions or physical improvements to existing attractions. Applicants also must find local contributions matching at least half a project’s total cost.

Dan Curran, director of DED's Travel and Tourism Division, said, “Tourism is increasingly vital to the economic growth of communities across the state. I am pleased that federal funds were available to help launch these projects and look forward to the day when visitors will be able to experience these new attractions in our state.”

Projects being awarded 2005 CDBG funding as part of the TDI program include:

Cherry County will receive $63,500 to help construct the Niobrara River Interpretive Center and Museum Complex in Sparks, located in the northeast corner of Cherry County. The project is expected to create the equivalent of up to three full-time positions, with $60,000 of the grant going to help fund construction costs. The remaining $3,500 will be available to Cherry County for administrative costs. A local investor will contribute an additional $62,000 to help complete the project.

The complex will feature visual and interactive displays highlighting local ecosystems, archaeology and paleontology, as well as a look at history dating back to the late 1800s and the settlers who made their homes in the region. In addition, interest in hosting rodeo events led to plans to build a new rodeo arena, with renovations planned for the local dance grounds and picnic shelter. Contact: Tom Elliott, Cherry County clerk, 402-376-2771

Columbus will receive $145,000 to help build the National Freedom Center Museum. The 20,000 sq. ft. museum will house World War II and one-of-a-kind artifacts, including a P-51 fighter, and two walls listing the names of soldiers killed in World War II and the Korean War. It also will feature displays highlighting the life and accomplishments of Columbus native Andrew Jackson Higgins, whose boats and landing craft were used throughout World War II.

The project is expected to create the equivalent of four full-time positions, with $140,000 in grant funding going toward land and construction costs. The remaining $5,000 will be available to the city of Columbus for administrative costs. The nonprofit Columbus Museum Inc. will invest an additional $1.36 million to complete the project. Other partners include the Platte County Board of Supervisors, which will direct revenues from a 2 percent lodging tax to help fund the museum, in addition to promotional support provided by the Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce and Columbus/Platte County Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Contact: Linda Walters, Columbus city clerk, 402-564-8584

Red Willow County will receive $131,000 in grant funding to renovate an existing 4,480 sq. ft. building, re-develop the surrounding property and an additional 180 acres of native mixed-grass prairie as part of the Hilton Farm Eco-Retreat. The project is expected to create the equivalent of 3.5 full-time jobs. The county will loan $123,000 to help renovate the building and develop the retreat center. The remaining $8,000 will be available to the county for administrative costs. Hilton Farm Eco-Retreat owners Dave and Andela Taylor also will invest a matching $123,000 in financial and in-kind support to complete the project.

Located on an isolated hilltop in eastern Red Willow County, the historic Hilton Farm Eco-Retreat will create hands-on ecotourism experiences, attracting an estimated 2,500 visitors from throughout the region. The hilltop location, situated between the Republican River Valley and the Beaver Valley, offers views of native mixed-grass prairie that supports area wildlife. The retreat center will offer nature hikes, classes in arts, crafts and regional cuisine, as well as hobby wine- and beer-making. Landscaped acres on the property will include gardens showcasing alternative crops, such as lavender. Contact: Paulleta Gerver, Red Willow county clerk, 308-345-1552

The tourism project funding is part of a program directed by DED, which assists with development efforts throughout the state. Federal grant funds are made available to Nebraska from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

CONTACTS:

Aaron Sanderford, Gov’s Office, 402-471-1967
Tom Doering, DED, 402-471-3784