LINCOLN, NEB. (October 17, 2005)—The Nebraska Department of Economic Development’s (DED) Community and Rural Development Division (CRD) staff will conduct public meetings in November to discuss the Proposed 2006 Annual Action Plan.

The plan outlines the distribution of approximately $13 million in Community Development Block Grant, $5 million in HOME program, and $588,000 in Emergency Shelter Grant Program funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; $1.5 million in Homeless Shelter Assistance Trust Funds, and $9 million in Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Funds.

Copies of the proposed plan, which describes national and state objectives, application schedules, eligible activities, and selection criteria for projects, will be available at the meetings. Copies of the proposed 2006 Annual Action Plan also will be available November 14 on the CRD website: http://crd.neded.org/plans_reports/index.htm, or may be requested by contacting Jen Bolen at 800-426-6505, 402-471-6280, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The public comment period for the plan is November 14-December 15, 2005. Written comments should be mailed by December 15 to: Jen Bolen, Consolidated Plan Coordinator, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, P.O. Box 94666, Lincoln, NE 68509-4666; or emailed to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Public meetings are scheduled as follows:

·Tuesday, November 15, 3 p.m. (CT)—Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Ste. E

·Wednesday, November 16, 9 a.m. (CT)—Kearney, University of Nebraska at Kearney, Ockinga Conference Room, 19th St. and University Drive.

·Thursday, November 17, 9 a.m. (MT)—Gering, Civic Center, 1050 M St.

On Monday, November 21, 10 a.m. (CT) an interactive videoconference will be transmitted to the following sites:

·Lincoln—Executive Building, 521 S. 14th St., Ste. 103

·Ainsworth—Ainsworth Public Library, 5th and Main streets

·Chadron—Chadron State College, Student Center, Scottsbluff Room, 10th and Main streets

·McCook—Mid-Plains Community College, McMillen Hall, Room 208, 1205 E. 3rd St.

·Wayne—Wayne State College, Gardner Hall, 1111 Main St., Room 105

Beginning November 14, the proposed 2006 Annual Action Plan will available at the following libraries:

·Alliance Public Library, 1750 Sweetwater

·Auburn Memorial Library, 1810 Courthouse Ave.

·Garfield County Library, 110 S. 7th St., Burwell

·Central City Public Library, 1604 15th Ave.

·Chadron Public Library, 507 Bordeaux St.

·Lexington Public Library, 103 E. 10th St.

·Bennett Martin Public Library, 136 S. 14th St., Lincoln

·McCook Public Library, 802 Norris Ave.

·Jensen Memorial Library, 443 N. Kearney, Minden

·Goodall City Library, 203 West A St., Ogallala

·W. Dale Clark Library, 215 S. 15th St., Omaha

·Scottsbluff Public Library, 1809 Third St.

·Sidney Public Library, 1112 12th Ave.

·Wayne Public Library, 410 Pearl St.

·Thomas County Library, 501 Main St., Thedford

·Valentine Public Library, 324 N. Main St.

Individuals requiring sensory accommodations, including interpreter services, Braille, large print, or recorded materials should contact Jen Bolen by November 4.

FOR INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Jen Bolen at 800-426-6505, 402-471-6280,

Or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it