"With the extreme belt tightening taking place nationwide, the funding of these critical infrastructure and development projects takes on even greater significance," said Richard J. Baier, DED Director. "I'm pleased that the state continues to play a big role in helping communities actualize projects that are instrumental to their continued health, well being and future development."

Grants are administered by DED from the state's annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The application and grant process is a partnership of DED, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development, and the Nebraska Departments of Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services.

Funding for public works projects totaling nearly $4.4 million will go to the following communities:

• Ainsworth will receive $350,000 to construct multiple blocks of new concrete streets, and rehabilitate and repair sewer lines within a one-block area in the vicinity of street construction.

• Alma will receive $253,300 to install concrete pavement, curbing and a driveway, and install storm sewer piping and curb inlets to serve the residential properties in the vicinity of the Alma Hospital, Harlan County Health System, and Good Samaritan.

• Bridgeport will receive $350,000 to construct two new municipal wells, rehabilitate an existing well plus interconnecting raw water transmission mains, a new uranium removal water treatment plant and distribution system improvements.

• Brunswick will receive $101,900 to install concrete pavement along two heavily traveled blocks that see a high concentration of residential and industrial traffic.

• Clarkson will receive $284,300 to install concrete pavement, curbing and gutters along four residential blocks, correcting storm water drainage in the process.

• Cook will receive $350,000 to install concrete pavement, sidewalks, storm sewers, and replace a 100-year-old water main and service lines to improve in the Village.

• Franklin will receive $70,100 to renovate the Franklin Senior Center. Work will include installation of a new roof, fiberglass insulation, new furnace and air conditioning systems, ductwork, upgraded lamp fixtures, new bathroom fixtures, and sealant around the front windows and new front door.

• Herman will receive $350,000 to construct a pre-engineered steel fire station with five apparatus bays to replace its outdated and deteriorating fire station built more than 55 years ago. The new facility also will include a kitchen, meeting rooms, restrooms, laundry, office and storage.

• Loup City will receive $350,000 to install concrete pavement with curbing and gutters along four residential blocks, which will improve traffic flow, biking and walking routes, and the water drainage in the area.

• Manley will receive $218,000 to rebuild roadbed, and install concrete pavement with curbing and gutters, and 18-inch reinforced concrete sewer piping to replace deteriorating asphalt streets and improve drainage along Main, Elm and South Streets.

• Marquette will receive $187,000 to construct a new 8,750 sq. ft. community building that will house the community center, rural fire barn and village office. The community center will feature a meeting/gathering room, warming kitchen, restrooms, storage closet and mechanical room.

• Minatare will receive $350,000 to replace its deteriorating, undersized water tower with a 250,000 gallon water tower, connecting distribution mains, fittings and valves to be located on 7th Street between Main St. and First Avenue.

• Oxford will receive $130,000 to renovate the recently closed/consolidated school in Oxford into a 4,860 sq. ft. senior center. The current facility is too small to accommodate the approximate 22-25 percent of seniors in the area, and a health hazard with sinking, uneven floors, narrow halls and non-perishable food storage area next to the furnace.

• Pawnee City will receive $350,000 to put toward construction of a new 6,500 sq. ft. public library. Built in 1907 and funded through the Carnegie grant program, the current library is approximately 2,000 sq. ft. The basement is accessible to handicapped patrons, but the main floor is only accessible by an exterior staircase.

• South Sioux City will receive $350,000 to install concrete pavement, curbing and gutters, and water mains and storm sewers along several streets that encompass both residences and businesses. The project is expected to correct poor drainage problems, as well as improve traffic flow and water pressure.

• Sumner will receive $350,000 to install asphalt pavement, and concrete curbing and gutters to improve deteriorating conditions within the Village, which will improve safety, water drainage and traffic flow along these routes.

Funding for planning projects totaling $123,100 will go to the following communities/county:

• Alvo will receive $20,600 to implement its first-ever comprehensive plan that establishes future goals and objectives, and a land use plan to govern future improvements and help protect the health, safety and welfare of its citizens.

• Bassett will receive $22,500 to conduct a preliminary engineering report of its sewer system. The evaluation will offer recommendations for necessary upgrades and areas that benefit the community.

• Benkelman will receive $30,000 to execute a project that involves developing and adopting a comprehensive plan, reviewing and updating zoning and subdivision regulations, developing a blight and substandard study, and crafting and implementing a housing market study.

• North Platte and Lincoln County will receive $50,000 to update its existing comprehensive plans to include further infrastructure and development recommendations for more affordable fair housing for low- and moderate-income wage earners and special needs persons.