LINCOLN, NEB. (June 30, 2009)—The Nebraska Department of Economic Development is now accepting applications through September 18 for the first phase of its 2009 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Downtown Revitalization grant program.

The Department has funding available for two projects.  Phase I funding includes $30,000 for a planning study that incorporates strategies for reinvigorating the downtown district. On completion of the six-month planning phase, up to $350,000 in Phase II funding will be reserved for implementing those strategies. However, the selected communities must reapply for this funding based on their selected planning strategies as the funding is not automatically guaranteed.

Eligible applicant communities must be:

• Nebraska municipalities with less than 20,000 pop.

• Nebraska Economic Development Certified

• Already have an adopted comprehensive plan, zoning and subdivision ordinances, enforced building codes and a building permit process in place

Applicant communities may earn bonus scoring points if they:

• Participated in the Nebraska Community Improvement Program within the past three years

• Are a Certified Main Street Community or Main Street participant

• Have an active Redevelopment Authority, or other downtown, business or community organization

To apply or get guideline information, go online to: http://www.neded.org/content/view/107/239/

Currently the Department is overseeing seven communities through the program. 2008 awardees now well into Phase II are Sidney, Wayne, Gothenburg, Cozad and Nebraska City. Current 2009 Phase I awardees are South Sioux City and Geneva.