LINCOLN, NEB. (October 9, 2007)—Three public hearings on November 15, 19 and 20, and a November 29 videoconference are scheduled to afford people the opportunity to voice their comments about the Proposed 2008 Annual Action Plan.

The plan calls for approximately $12 million in Community Development Block Grant, $5 million HOME program, and $600,000 Emergency Shelter Grant Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be distributed and administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).  The plan also identifies the availability of approximately $1.5 million in Homeless Shelter Assistance Trust funds, and $10 million in Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust funds.

Copies of the plan, which describe national and state objectives, application schedules, eligible activities, and selection criteria for projects, will be available at public meetings. The proposed plan will be available on DED’s Web site no later than November 15 at: http://www.neded.org/content/view/183/674/, or can be requested from Libby Elder at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3762, or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

The public comment period is November 15-December 17, 2007.

Public meetings will be held:

• November 15, 11 a.m. (CT)—Norfolk, Lifelong Learning Center, 801 E. Benjamin Ave., Suite D
• November 19, 1:30 p.m. (CT)—Kearney, Holiday Inn Express, 508 Second Avenue South
• November 20, 9 a.m. (MT)—Sidney, Cheyenne County Community Center, 627 Toledo Street, Room 2

     An interactive videoconference will be held November 29, 10 a.m. (CT) at:

• Lincoln—Southeast Community College, Continuing Education Center, 301 S. 68th St. Place, Main Auditorium
• Ainsworth—Public Library, 5th and Main streets
• Chadron—Chadron State College, Burkheiser Building (furthest east building on campus) 10th and Main streets, Room 109
• McCook—McMillen Hall, 1205 E. 3rd St., Room 208
• Wayne—Wayne State College, Conn Library, 1111 Main St., Room 15

 Beginning November 15, the Proposed 2008 Annual Action Plan will be available at:

Alliance Public Library, 1750 Sweetwater
Auburn Memorial Library, 1810 Courthouse Ave.
Garfield County Library, 110 S. 7th St., Burwell, Neb.
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, Neb.
McCook Public Library, 802 Norris Ave.
Jensen Memorial Library, 443 N. Kearney, Minden, Neb.
Goodall City Library, 203 W. “A” St., Ogallala, Neb.
W. Dale Clark Library, 2015 S. 15th St., Omaha, Neb.
Scottsbluff Public Library, 1809 3rd St.
Sidney Public Library, 1112 12th Ave.
Wayne Public Library, 410 Pearl St.
Thomas County Library, 501 Main St., Thedford, Neb.
Valentine Public Library, 324 N. Main St.

Mail written comments by December 17 to: Libby Elder, Consolidated Plan Coordinator, Nebraska Department of Economic Development, P.O. Box 94666, Lincoln, NE 68509-4666; or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Comments will be accepted starting November 15. Individuals requiring sensory accommodations, including interpreter services, Braille, large print, or recorded materials should contact Libby Elder by November 5.