LINCOLN, NEB. (Aug. 10, 2005)—August 31 is the deadline for communities wanting to submit award nominations for community and economic development projects and programs for 2005 Nebraska Community Improvement Program (NCIP) consideration. Currently, 74 communities have signed up to participate in NCIP this year.

Also communities still wanting to enter the program have until August 31 to submit intent to enter forms and government resolutions. The award guide, which explains program requirements, is available on the NCIP website at: http://crd.neded.org/ncip

Nebraska communities and multi-communities with populations of 50,000 or less are eligible to participate. The program recognizes communities annually for improvements made during the past year, with an emphasis on the achievements of grassroots volunteers.

Through the years, communities participating in NCIP and involving citizens in planning have accomplished a broad spectrum of projects, such as developing technology centers and recycling programs, promoting regional tourism, revitalizing downtowns, improving public facilities, developing housing, recruiting and expanding businesses, beautifying communities, and developing festivals, events, and community leaders.

Communities also can submit award nominations for individual project accomplishments and/or the overall community development process that encompasses planning, leadership development and community accomplishments. Youth from participating NCIP communities may be nominated for the “Youth Leadership for Outstanding Community Service Award” for outstanding leadership efforts in community service. Communities also can submit an intergovernmental project or program for Founders Award consideration.

The 2005 NCIP awards will be announced at the NCIP banquet on November 4 in Gering, Neb.

NCIP is a partnership between the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the University of Nebraska, and NCIP Sponsors. The following investor-owned utilities sponsor the program and provide funds for judging expenses, plaques and cash awards: ALLTEL, Aquila, Northern Natural Gas, Glenwood Telephone, Great Plains Communications, Inc., HunTel Systems, Kinder Morgan, Inc., and NorthWestern Energy.

For information about NCIP contact Jerod Trouba, NCIP assistant, toll-free at 800-426-6505 or 402-471-2235 or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jerod Trouba at 800-426-6505, 402-471-2235, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it