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Seven Nebraska cities will share $1.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funding for community projects.
The grants are to be used to benefit neighborhoods with low- and middle-income residents. The funds are administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development from the state's annual allocation of community block grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
These are grants and how each will be used:
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 Mission Avenue. 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 Americans with Disabilities Act.
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.
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 and improve sidewalk intersections and curb ramps to comply with ADA requirements in the targeted area.
Grand Island,
Kearney, $171,428 to conduct projects along Central Avenue, including replace all curbing and gutters; install handicapped ramps at intersections; replace existing water service; patch a two-block area of damaged brick streets; and repave 8 feet on each side of the street to improve accessibility and parking. The city will contribute to all projects.
Norfolk, $171,428 to acquire, demolish and clear away four dilapidated houses; 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.
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 Seventh Streets. Work will include paving gravel streets and making improvements to drain storm water. The city will contribute to this project.
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