Albion Receives $30,000 Grant To Plan Improvements

Albion received $30,000 in grant funding on Tuesday to be used to develop a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan that would create the blueprint for creating business and infrastructure improvements that would help to increase revenues and attract new investments.

An additional $14,600 in matching resources will be used for the project. 

On Tuesday, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) awarded $206,550 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to seven Nebraska communities to complete Phase I (pre-development and planning) in the Downtown Revitalization category. These projects are designed to develop a strategy for improving businesses and infrastructure within central business districts.

The CDBG Downtown Revitalization Category is open to CDBG non-entitlement incorporated municipalities throughout Nebraska. Grants are administered by DED from the State’s annual allocation of CDBG funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Communities that successfully complete the planning phase have the opportunity to apply for Phase II (implementation) resources, which may include up to $350,000 per community for implementing the CDBG-eligible activities defined in the approved plans.

Below are brief descriptions about the other communities that will be undertaking Phase I planning projects and their awards:

Cambridge (pop. 1,020) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a strategic pre-development plan for business and infrastructure improvements that focus on preserving historic resources and attracting additional businesses and customers to the downtown. An additional $10,600 in matching resources will be used for the project.

Gretna (pop. 4,165) —$26,550 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan that encompasses preserving the city’s historic buildings, (including enhanced usage and improved accessibility), and developing new businesses in the downtown. An additional $7,850 in matching resources will be used for the project.

Norfolk (pop. 22,835) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a strategic downtown plan that will focus on continuing efforts to improve and revitalize buildings and determine ways in which to enhance the downtown for events that help to attract additional visitors and customers. An additional $7,500 in matching resources will be used for the project.

Seward (pop. 6,050) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan that focuses on preserving the City’s 100-year-old downtown; enhancing the area for business and visitors; and evaluating the potential for upper story residential development. An additional $7,500 in matching resources will be used for the project.

Wausa (pop. 520) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a strategic downtown revitalization plan that determines the needs and interests of downtown businesses and Village residents to prioritize business and infrastructure improvements in the Village’s historic commercial district. An additional $14,550 in matching resources will be used for the project.

York (pop. 7,450) —$30,000 in CDBG funds will be used to develop a strategic downtown plan that works to prioritize downtown improvements to properties and enhancing the area for business and visitors. An additional $7,500 in matching resources will be used for the project.