Lincoln, NE — The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has awarded $64,500 in 2015 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) second round open cycle Planning Category funding to seven communities for ongoing planning efforts.
The grants are part of Nebraska’s annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Funds are administered by DED.
The villages of Ewing, Brunswick, Oakdale, Orchard, and Page were each awarded $5,250 to complete housing studies.
The village of Elba was awarded $8,250 to complete a street study.
The city of North Platte was awarded $30,000 to complete a downtown building revitalization plan.
Applications for the second cycle, which is an open cycle, will be accepted until the CDBG Planning Category funds are either depleted, or the first cycle of the next program year commences, whichever comes first.
Up to $30,000 is available for communities, and as much as $50,000 is available for multi-communities, counties, or regional applicants.
Planning activities that are considered for funding include community strategic planning, such as environmental assessments, citizen participation, downtown revitalization, and fiscal management. Analyses of impediments and barriers to fair housing choices and neighborhood/comprehensive/strategic development plans may qualify.
Also considered are functional or special studies for housing, infrastructure, community economic development, land use/regulatory measure, main street improvement districts, downtown revitalization, energy conservation and transportation. In addition, environmental, heritage tourism, and historic preservation studies may qualify.
For information about CDBG planning grants, contact Jenny B. Mason at 800-426-6505, 402-471-6280 or jenny.mason@nebraska.gov or contact Kate Ellingson at 1-800-426-6505, 1-402-471-3749 or email kate.ellingson@nebraska.gov.
