$1.3 Million Awarded Seven Cities to Undertake Neighborhood Revitalization Projects
This press release was posted by the Nebraska Department of Econimic Development
March 3, 2010 (Lincoln, NEB.)--Belview, Columbus, Fremont, Grand Island, Kearney, Norfolk and North Platte have received $1,360,342 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to pursue community projects targeting neighborhoods benefittng low-and middle-income residents. These grants, made in the Community Revitalization (CR) category, are administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development from the state's annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The cities participated in an initial three-year Community Revitalization effort that began in 2005 with a Comprehensive Needs Assessment and Revitalization Strategy. A recent updated Strategy allowed them to extend their participation for three more years (2009-2011). Each city will provide local funds for the projects.
Following are the individual awards based on 2009 CR formula recommendations.
Bellevue--$245,436 to rehabilitate at least five owner-occupied homes; install a new shelter, playground equipment, lighting and signage at Thompson Park; and implement a commercial facade improvement program along the Mission Avenue corridor. State and City funding also will go toward repairing damaged sidewalks or installing new sidewalks where there currently are none, bringing all into compliance with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Contact Phil Davidson at 402-293-3052 or pdavidson@bellevue.net.
Columbus--$171,428 to partner with NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska to purchase, rehabilitate and resell five homes; and conduct lead-based paint testing. The City will upgrade 4-inch cast iron water lines with 6-inch PVC water lines, and replace or rehabilitate 6-inch clay gravity sewer lines with 6-inch PVC pipe in the targeted area. Contact Joe Mangiamelli at 402-562-4233 or jmangi@columbusne.us.
Fremont--$171,400 to rehabilitate three owner-occupied homes; acquire, demolish and clear away a dilapidated house on a lot to be deeded to Habitat for Humanity to build a new single-family home. The City will resurface streets to improve sidewalk intersections and curb ramps to comply with ADA requirements in the targeted area. Contact Jan Rise at 402-727-2624 or jan.rise@fremontne.gov.
Grand Island--$257,794 to rehabilitate one owner-occupied home; replace five blocks of 4-inch cast iron water main with 8-inch water main and seven fire hydrants; and pave streets and install curb cuts near the Senior Center and other areas to comply with ADA requirements. The City will contribute to the water main/hydrant, and street paving/curb cuts projects. Contact Joni Kuzma at 308-385-5444, ext. 248 or jkuzma@grand-island.com.
Kearney--$171,428 to conduct a number of projects along Central Avenue, including replace all curbing and gutters; install detectable warning/handicapped ramps at all intersections; replace all existing water service; patch a two-block area of damaged brick streets; and repave approximately 8-feet on each side of the street to improve accessibility and parking. The City will contribute to all projects. Contact Suzanne Brodine at 308-233-3222 or sbrodine@kearneygov.org.
Norfolk--$171,428 to acquire, demolish and clear away four dilapidated houses, and provide down payment assistance for families qualifying for four new homes to be built in partnership with NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska; and rehabilitate four downtown businesses. The City will contribute to all projects. Contact Elizabeth Deck at 402-844-2012 or bdeck@ci.norfolk.ne.us.
North Platte--$171,428 to continue street and infrastructure improvement efforts in the City's northwest section, specifically Buffalo Bill Avenue to Adams Avenue, and south from 19th to 7th Sts. Work includes paving gravel streets and making improvements to drain storm water. The city will contribute to this project. Contact Judy Clark at 308-535-6724 or ClarkJM@ci.north-platte.ne.us.
For information about the Department's Community Revitalization funding category, contact Steve Charleston at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3757, or steve.charleston@nebraska.gov.
- Info:
- Release published on Mar 3, 2010
