Department of Economic Development awards $10 million to 11 Nebraska communities

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Economic Development on Thursday awarded $10 million to 11 communities.

It’s through the Rural Community Recovery Program, which the Nebraska Legislature authorized through Legislative Bill 1412 in 2023.

The program is funded with coronavirus state and local fiscal recovery funds through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

All of the funds are being awarded to projects in communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic.

The awards will support the rehabilitation or adaptive reuse of vacant or abandoned property.

The department said rural communities across Nebraska need new and improved public amenities and affordable housing.

Applicants requested more than $43 million for various projects. The following cities were among those awarded money:

City of Alma: $990,000 for public auditorium renovations

City of Beatrice: $985,000 for public park renovations

David City: $630,000 for public sports complex renovations

City of Franklin: $535,000 for public park renovations

City of McCook: $1.5 million for public park expansion and renovation

Pawnee City: $535,000 for public park renovations

Hastings Community Redevelopment Authority: $330,000 for affordable housing construction