Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District (NENEDD) is excited to congratulate four member communities following the recent announcement of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards. The federal funds will be used for beautification and infrastructure improvements in downtown business districts and public park areas.

The City of Norfolk was awarded $435,000 for Downtown Revitalization (DTR) grant funds, of which $310,000 will be used for commercial rehabilitation in the form of downtown façade improvements. Program applicants – business tenants and/or commercial property owners will provide a 1:1 match of $310,000. The remaining $90,000 in project activity grant funding will be utilized for sidewalk improvements of three mid-block crossings on Norfolk Avenue to provide street-to-sidewalk accessibility, with the City of Norfolk providing $22,500 in the required matching funds.

The award also includes $25,000 for grant administration and $10,000 for construction management. The façade improvement project will aid in mitigating slum and blight in the previously blight designated downtown; the mid-block crossing project will meet the national objective of benefitting Limited Clientele (LMC) through the removal of architectural barriers.

Andrea Larson, NENEDD Community Planner, said Norfolk’s DTR award is vital to continuing the momentum created through the ongoing River Point District projects.

“The beautification of Norfolk’s downtown over the past several years is nothing short of extraordinary. A previous DTR grant was a huge success, proving that both small business owners and city leadership are committed to investing in long-term success,” Larson said.

The City of Columbus also was awarded a DTR grant in the amount of $435,000. Of this award, $200,000 will be used for commercial rehabilitation, with business tenants and/or commercial property owners providing $200,000 in matching funds. Another $200,000 in grant funds will go toward Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) sidewalk clearance, and the city will provide the required $50,000 in matching funds. The award also includes $25,000 for grant administration and $10,000 for construction management. The commercial rehabilitation projects will aid in the mitigation of slum and blight in the previously blight designated downtown. A city sidewalk in the downtown area along 11th Street will be improved to provide access to pedestrians of all abilities through the removal of ADA barriers in the public right of way.

“Columbus’ Historic Downtown already draws visitors from all over the country, and the DTR funds will ensure that the vibrancy and culture of the district is on full display and accessible to everyone,” Larson said.

Fremont will also beautify and upgrade commercial properties through a $435,000 DTR grant. Business tenants and/or commercial property owners in the city’s downtown area will be eligible to apply for façade improvement grants, for which $400,000 has been earmarked. The awardees will provide $100,000 in matching funds; $25,000 has been allocated for general administration, and $10,000 will be used for construction management. This project will aid in mitigating slum and blight in the previously blight designated downtown area.

“Fremont has so much personality and activity in their Historic Downtown. The DTR grant will inject new energy into the old buildings, while maintaining the historic integrity that is paramount to the community,” Larson said.

The fourth CDBG in NENEDD’s service area was awarded to the City of Lyons. Lyons will receive a Public Works grant in the amount of $415,312, of which $385,312 will be used for improvements to Lyons Brink Memorial Park to make the area more accessible to older and/or disabled residents. Project activities will include building a new tornado/storm shelter with restrooms and storage and construction of a new pavilion with kitchen, restroom and picnic tables. Also awarded was $25,000 for general administration and $10,000 for construction management. City of Lyons providing the required $77,077 in matching funds. All CDBG funds will benefit low-to-moderate income (LMI) persons.

“This award was huge for the City of Lyons,” Larson said. “Not only will the improvements to Brink Memorial Park provide safety and wellness infrastructure, the improvements will draw in visitors and provide modern comforts to an established and well-loved park.”

The Northeast Economic Development District congratulates the member communities who received CDBG awards, emphasizing the positive impact these investments will have on local economies and the lives of residents. These grants represent a collaborative effort to stimulate growth and create thriving, sustainable communities in Northeast Nebraska.

More details on the 2023 CDBG awards  can be found here.