(Lincoln, Neb.) Gov. Dave Heineman awarded more than $148,500 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help nine communities begin planning efforts and pave the way for continued growth and development.

“These grants will help local officials prioritize needs and set goals for projects that will help support and encourage future growth,” Gov. Heineman said.

The grants are part of Nebraska’s annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds are administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

Communities receiving funding include:

Ainsworth—will receive $23,500 to prepare a comprehensive plan for zoning and subdivision regulations.

Crofton—will receive $18,800 to conduct a water and wastewater system study.

Emmet—receives $9,900 to begin an engineering study on the local sewer system.

Guide Rock—will receive $25,000 in funding for a community needs assessment as part of the South Central Nebraska Capacity Building Project.

Loup City—receives $25,000 to conduct a drainage and sewer system study.

Nebraska City—receives $6,250 to perform a housing market study.

Overton—will receive $23,500 to conduct a community needs assessment and complete an action plan on behalf of Overton and surrounding communities including: Brady, Bartley, Curtis, Edison, Eustis, Hyannis, Maxwell, Palisade, Smithfield, Trenton, and Venango.

Ponca—will receive $8,100 to conduct a preliminary engineering water system study.

Wymore—receives $8,500 to conduct a preliminary study of the local wastewater system.