CDBG 2006-2010 - Nebraska Department of Economic Development

CDBG 2006-2010Investments, Impacts& Success Storieswww.neded.orgAdministered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development

CDBG 2006-2010The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) was established in 1974 as part of the Housing and Community DevelopmentAct. In 1982 the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) instituted a state CDBG program that providesNebraskans with safe, affordable housing and infrastructure as well as quality jobs and investments through the financing of new andexpanding businesses. CDBG funding is allocated to the state from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.The Nebraska CDBG Program does not include the entitlement cities of Lincoln and Omaha. All data included in this publicationrelates to all Nebraska counties and communities less than 50,000 population.2006-2010 CDBG Investments and ImpactsCDBG Recipient CountiesCDBG Recipient CommunitiesChadronValentineGordonSanteeWynotMaskellBassettVerdigre HartingtonAinsworthAtkinsonSouth Sioux CityO'Neill Creighton Laurel3DixonLong PineBrunswickAllen Dakota CityEwingWayne EmersonChambersNelighHoskins WakefieldWinnebagoMorrillMullenClearwaterDecaturLymanNorfolk WisnerGeringMadisonStanton BancroftMitchellPetersburgTaylor BurwellDodgeMinatareMelbetaSpaldingAlbionCrestonHermanScribnerBroadwaterAnselmoOrdLindsay HowellsBlairBridgeportPrimroseSargent North Loup ScotiaGenoa Columbus FremontBroken BowBenningtonFullerton SchuylerAnsley Loup CityDuncanMalmoWolbachMead 2ClarksSidneyBellevueWahooBrule Paxton SutherlandChappellMason CityAshton Central City David City Ithaca La VistaLodgepoleBradyCairo Chapman GreshamBeeOgallalaEddyvilleManleyPleasantonYorkAlvoGothenburg CozadRavenna MarquetteAuroraSewardUnionSumnerVenango Giltner McCool Junction ElmwoodLexington Elm CreekKearneyAvocaNebraska CityHarvard FairmontCongressional DistrictsElwoodHastings 1CookImperialPeruHayes CenterMindenAdamsGenevaBrock AuburnWaunetaHolbrook Campbell Beatrice Tecumseh1, 2, 3Palisade IndianolaOxfordJansenHumboldtCambridgeDiller WymoreFalls CityMcCookAlma FranklinAlexandriaHaiglerRepublican CityHardy Fairbury Steele City Pawnee CityBenkelmanMap revised February 10, 2011 @ 3:15 PMAwarded Projects from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2010Awarded Projects from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 20102006-2010 CDBG Investments and Impacts by Congressional DistrictCongressionalDistrict 1CongressionalDistrict 2CongressionalDistrict 3Statewide TotalTotalBeneficiaries215,602 24,245 316,008 555,855Total CDBG $19.84 million $2.22 million $36.64 million $58.7 millionTotalLeveragedFunds$69.2 million $3.6 million $63.3 million $136.1 million2006-2010 CDBG Job Creation1,003 Direct Jobs = 2,443 Primary and Secondary Jobs

Investments, Impacts and Success StoriesCDBG 2006-2010 Investments & Impacts from the Nebraska Department of Economic DevelopmentThe Community Development Block Grant Program, administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, has significantlyimpacted the state’s ability to support communities’ development efforts. Most notably during the five-year period 2006-2010 (2006-2010): Nebraska CDBG Investments and OInvestments for all Program Categories2006-2010Nebraska CDBG Investments and Other Investments for all Program Categories30.13%Total CDBG Funds69.87%Total Matching Funds$1 CDBG = $2.32 Additional Investment in all CDBG Projects$58.7 million in CDBG investments leveraged $136 million in other private and publicinvestments. A total of 369 projects were awarded in the five-year period. 555,855individuals have benefitted from CDBG projects in Nebraska in the past five years.285,594 2006 - 2010 of the CDBG total beneficiaries Comprehensive are low-to Revitalization moderate-income and individuals.Downtown Revitalization Investments2006-2010CDBG Public WorksmillionProjectin otherInvestmentsfunds.46.74%CDBG Investments53.26%Matching Funds Leveraged$1 CDBG = $1.14 leveraged in other investments for Public Works$14.8 million in CDBG funds were invested in public works projects, leveraging anadditional $16.9 million in other funds.2006-2010CDBG Economic Development Investments12.81%CDBG InvestmentsTotal CDBG FunTotal Matching69.87%$1 CDBG =Additional Inveall CDBG Pro$58.7 million in CDBG investments leveraged $136 million inprivate and public investments. A total of 369 projects were ain the five-year period. 555,855 individuals have benefittedCDBG projects in Nebraska in the past five years. 285,594 of tbeneficiaries are low-to-moderate income individuals.2006-2010CDBG Comprehensive Revitalization and Downtown Revitalization Investments52.44%CDBG CR & DTRCDBG InvestmentsInvestments 52.44%$6.2 milllion in CDBG Comprehensive Revitaliation investmentsleveraged $6.4 million in other private and public investments. $3.1million in CDBG Downtown Revitalization investments leveraged $2.32006-2010 Nebraska CDBG Investments and OtherInvestments for all Program Categories$1 CR CDBG & DTR Matching = $.95 Funds Leveraged for CR & DTR Projects$6.2 Leveraged million 48.56% in CDBG Comprehensive Revitalization investments leveraged $6.4 millionin other $1private CDBG = and $.93 public investments. $3.1 million in CDBG Downtown Revitalizationinvestments Leveraged leveraged for CR & $2.3 million in other funds.2006 - 2010 CDBG Public Works ProjeInvestments2006-2010Total CDBG Funds 30.13%CDBG Water/Wastewater Project InvestmentsTotal Matching Funds69.87%28.65%$58.7 million in CDBG investments leveraged $136 million in otherprivate and public investments. A total of 369 projects were awardedin the five-year period. 555,855 individuals have benefitted fromCDBG projects in Nebraska in the past five years. 285,594 of the totalbeneficiaries are low-to-moderate income individuals.87.19%Matching Funds Leveraged$1 CDBG = $6.80 leveraged in other funds for ED Projects$12.6 million in CDBG Economic Development funds leveraged$85.7 million in additional funds.48.56%Matching Funds LeveragedCDBG PW46.74%CDBG PWLeverage$1 CDBG = $1.14in other investPublic W$14.8 million in CDBG funds were invested in publicprojects, leveraging an additional $16.9 million in othe71.35%CDBG InvestmentsMatching Funds Leveraged$1 CDBG = $5.33$1 Additional CDBG = Investment $2.49 leveraged in in other funds for Water/Wastewater Projectsall CDBG Projects$8.3 million in CDBG funds were invested to improve water and wastewater systems,leveraging $20.7 million in other investments for safe water systems through partnershipswith USDA Rural Development, Nebraska Dept. of Environmental Quality, and NebraskaHealth and Human Services System.2006 - 2010 CDBG Economic DeveloInvestmentsCDBDev12.8MatLeve$1 CDBG = $6in other fundDevelopm$12.6 million in CDBG Economic Development fund

Fire Truck/FireCDBG 2006-20102006-2010 CDBGCommunity Development ProjectsWater/WastewStreets ProjecCommunity CRemove ArchProjects - 5Senior CenterLibrary ProjecWater/Wastewater Projects - 37 Streets Projects - 29 31Health Clinic PFire Truck/Fire Hall Projects - 12 Community Center Projects - 7Remove Architectural Barriers Projects - 5 Senior Center Projects - 4Library Projects - 2 Health Clinic Projects - 1Total beneficiaries in the CommunityDevelopment category from 2006-2010:Low-to moderate-income individuals assistedby CDBG Community Development projects:118,09365,237

CDBG 2006-2010Dixon, Nebraska—New Community CenterThe sense of community is significant to residents of Dixon, which is why the village community centeris so vital. When the community center needed drastic improvements, it was the community that ralliedto its support. Originally built in 1938, the community center was constructed from lumber that hadbeen removed from the old school basketball court. Through the years, the reused lumber rotted awayand the building was no longer sustainable. Repairs were simply too expensive.For several years, village officials and volunteers held fundraisers, including soup suppers, pancakefeeds, and fish fries to help pay for a new center. A survey of local residents and a town hall meetingin 2007 reaffirmed the top priority need for a new community center. During planning meetings withstaff from Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, it was decided the best way to fundthe project was to pursue a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) through the NebraskaDepartment of Economic Development. In August 2008, Dixon was awarded $191,000 in CDBGfunding for the center. The fundraising dollars were used as required matching funds.Dixon residents are proud of their new community center, so much so that the entire surrounding areauses it regularly for receptions, craft fairs, benefits, community meetings, and other projects. To somedegree, everyone in Dixon contributed to its completion. Today volunteers regularly contribute time andefforts to its upkeep.Village chairman Jeffrey Hartung said, “Our little town stood up and said we can do this with the helpof our community and surrounding area and we did. When someone says it can’t be done have themcall us and we will tell them it can be done.”

Investments, Impacts and Success StoriesElmwood, Nebraska – A New Water Treatment Facility Ahead of ScheduleThe village of Elmwood’s wastewatermechanical treatment plant was morethan 40 years old and increasingly failingto meet wastewater permitting standards.The plant’s total 60,000 gallon per day(gpd) capacity couldn’t keep up with the80,000-90,000 gpd wastewater flows. TheVillage had obviously “out grown” theplant facility.Several potential options were identifiedfor fixing the problem. After reviewingall options, Village leaders opted toconstruct an Oxidation Ditch mechanicalsystem to replace the existing system.As the Village assessed its wastewater needs they investigated ways to finance this critical communityinfrastructure system.Elmwood officials worked with its Village engineer and the Southeast Nebraska DevelopmentDistrict (SENDD) to identify funding sources. As part of the review process, they worked with theWater Wastewater Advisory Committee (WWAC) committee to move the project forward andgain input and recommendations. With assistance from SENDD, Elmwood officials conducted acommunity needs assessment and income survey. The Village learned that it met the income thresholdfor a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Elmwood applied for and was awarded a$250,000 CDBG in May 2009. Additional funding for the project came from the U.S. Department ofAgriculture Rural Development Rural Utilities Service program and local Village funds.The Village Board of Trustees was the driving force behind the project. The trustees relied on theirvillage’s wastewater supervisor for his expertise and the village clerk coordinated the efforts. JEOConsulting Group, Inc., and the village engineer, also provided professional engineering assistancethroughout the project’s development and implementation.Community support was vital to the success of the project, seeing how it was the largest undertakingfor the Village since the previous wastewater system was constructed many years ago. Strongsupport was evidenced through the number of returned Elmwood Community surveys and recordedpublic comments at numerous public meetings sponsored by the village board during the project’sdevelopment phase.The most impressive part of this project is the timely fashion in which it was completed. The originalend date was May 2011 but the facility was completed by November 2010. The Village of Elmwoodnow has an appropriate compliant, long-term municipal system in the mechanical wastewater treatmentplant.

CDBG 2006-2010Gothenburg, Nebraska – Historic Downtown Continues Healthy Business ClimateAs a Nebraska Lied Main Street Community from 1995-2005, Gothenburg understood the importanceof maintaining historic downtown buildings as a way to ensure a continuing healthy business climate.Customer’s perception of businesses’ success directly correlated to exterior and interior conditions, andimpacted their decisions to shop there or go elsewhere. So when Dawson Area Development presenteda Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) opportunity to the City and the CommunityDevelopment Office to fix up the downtown, merchants and business leaders were understandablyenthused and excited about the many possibilities.The City, Community Development Office, and Dawson Area Development worked together tocompile the application and create the presentation. Dawson Area Development also acted as grantadministrator and contact between businesses and the Nebraska Historical Society. The $250,000CDBG awarded by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development required matching fundsthat the City Council was able to provide for the initial planning phase. A remainder of funding alsowas matched by the businesses that received assistance.Gothenburg has benefited from more than $1 million in improvements to the downtown with the helpof the CDBG funding since receiving initial funds in spring 2009. Businesses have seen utility costsgo down due to ten energy efficiency improvements. Handicap accessibility also has been improvedwith the addition of automatic door openers in buildings and an elevator to allow second floor access.Twenty-five buildings received façade improvements. A new revolving loan fund has improved fundingfor a new business in a vacant downtown building.There is a new pride being expressed in Gothenburg’s downtown. In fact, changes have spurred otherbuilding owners to make improvements without the use of revitalization grant assistance.City Administrator Bruce Clymer said, “The transformation of the downtown is exciting. The dollarsspent have provided a much needed boost to our local economy; not only in making the exteriorof buildings more appealing, but also dollars spent for carpenters, electricians, HVAC contractors,etc. With over $1 million dollars of investment in our downtown through this project, we believeour community has maximized theinvestment of funds through theNebraska Department of EconomicDevelopment’s Community DevelopmentBlock Grant program.”Matt Williams of Gothenburg StateBank said, “The project was veryimportant to the continued growth of ourcommunity. We used the revitalizationfunds and it allowed us to expandour renovation project. The ultimatebenefit of this program is the long-termimprovement of our downtown and thisbenefits all of Gothenburg.”

Investments, Impacts and Success StoriesKearney, Nebraska – Historic Theatre to Continue Entertaining for Generations to ComeThe World Theatre has been a cornerstone of Kearney’s downtown landscape since opening in 1927. Itsdesign allows for both stage performances and film showings. The Theatre’s character is reminiscent ofthe days of vaudeville stage performances and early talking movies. Generations of people have beenentertained by a variety of performances and movies at the World over the years. During the 1980sthe theatre became “twinned” with a wall splitting the single-screen auditorium into two separateauditoriums. Consequently its name was changed to the World Twin Theatre. The World closed itsdoors in June 2008.The World Theatre Foundation, ledby Jon Bokenkamp, is now set to turnthe World Theatre into Kearney’s nonprofitmovie house. The Foundationhas envisioned The World Theatreas Kearney’s “revival house.” Insteadof showing first-run films andcompeting with large movie chains,the World Theatre will offer a varietyof independent films, documentaries,foreign language, and classic films.The City of Kearney and the downtowncommunity are determined to makethe downtown more economicallysuccessful and retain historicallysignificant properties. It was thisdetermination and the passion of theFoundation’s chairman that drove theforce behind this project. The City ofKearney encouraged the World TheatreFoundation to apply for a TourismDevelopment grant for the renovationproject. In August 2010, Kearney received a $300,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)to carry out the renovation. This grant was added to the private donations and grants received fromother private foundations. The City of Kearney and the Kearney Community Redevelopment Authorityhave also contributed financially.Residents of Kearney and the region will benefit from the programming planned for the World Theatrespace, which is expected to draw tourists from a large area, in addition to complementing the city’sexisting entertainment and educational options. The World has tremendous support of communityindividuals as well as private and public organizations through donations of money, skills and time.

CDBG 2006-2010Minden, Nebraska – Business Expansion Exceeds ExpectationsRoyal Engineered Composites, originally Royal Plastics, of Minden, has manufactured compositecomponents for the aerospace industry since 1949. Specifically, Royal utilizes composite engineeringexpertise to develop design and prototyping services and mold making, and offer technical supportfor aerospace and defense companies. By 2008, Royal’s increasing business demands necessitated anexpansion. With assistance from the Minden Economic Development Department, Royal consideredmany alternatives and finally opted to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.The City of Minden was awarded$405,000 in CDBG funding to aidthe expansion. Additional bank loansand company equity from Royalbrought the total investment to$1,022,011.Dave Arnold, Royal’s businessmanager, said, “Initially, the CDBGapplication process and follow uprecordkeeping seemed daunting,however, Lisa Karnatz, executivedirector of Minden EconomicDevelopment, helped us throughthe process and made it relativelyeasy. The CDBG gave us additionaloptions to help reduce risk and allow us to invest and grow sooner than we anticipated, which in turnhelped us grow larger and hire additional people. It’s a great experience when the local community andbusinesses work together to achieve success that benefits everyone. I’m excited to continue the greatrelationship we’ve established.”With the funds, Royal purchased new equipment that eventually resulted in a 33% increase in sales. Theinitial goal of creating 25 new full-time positions was more than doubled to 59 new full-time positions.Now Royal has 131 employees and annual sales exceeding $15 million. As the company and communityare reaping the economic benefits of this successful expansion, future plans utilizing CDBG fundscontinue to be researched by Royal for other potential projects.Lisa Karnatz, executive director of Minden Economic Development commented, “Royal EngineeredComposites is a positive force in the City of Minden. The City of Minden is fortunate to have themhere as they continue to provide jobs and economic growth to our community.”City of Minden Mayor Roger Jones said, “Over the past sixty years, Royal, by whichever name youchoose, has been an important part of the Minden community. By supplying jobs and investment, Royalhas provided an alternative to the farm economy, which is the mainstay of the City. I am so pleased thatRoyal continues to show confidence in the Minden community and the work force it provides.”

Investments, Impacts and Success StoriesNebraska City, Nebraska – Downtown Revitalization Leads to Future ImprovementsSignificant development along acommercial corridor south of NebraskaCity, including a new Wal-MartSupercenter, has strengthened the cityas a “regional shopping destination.”Unfortunately it came with costs to theCity’s 14 linear blocks of downtownbusinesses located on a block oneither side of Central Avenue. A localsurvey of the central business districtrevealed that 297 of 542 structureswere deteriorated or substandard;many stood empty and were poorlymaintained.In October 2006, a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)-funded blight study identifiedthe “Big Eight” priority projects through which city leaders focus public investment, encourage privateinvestment, spur development, and improve conditions for public safety and welfare. The City followedup by applying for and receiving a CDBG Downtown Revitalization Grant to undertake Phase-IPlanning and identify priorities of the Big Eight downtown projects. On completion of the PlanningGrant phase, the City received a $250,000 Phase-II CDBG Implementation Grant to develop“Memorial Way,” between Central Avenue and the historic Memorial Building just south of downtown.A revolving loan program to rehabilitate commercial buildings was also established with part of thefunding.The Memorial Way project was completed at a cost of $273,860, with $187,750 from new CDBGfunds and the remainder from City General funding. The revolving loan program will include $56,250in new CDBG funds and $18,750 in private funding from businesses.Nebraska City has benefited greatly from the CDBG project, prompting plans for renovating thehistoric Memorial Building with a bond issue vote to take place in the near future. The $6 millionproject would renovate the building into a multipurpose facility housing City Hall, a Senior Center,a Performing Arts venue, a community room, and a reception space for rent. Pat Haverty, cityadministrator, said, “The renovations are intended to transform the building into an anchor andshowplace for the downtown area.”Citizens and government personnel alike have come together to support this project and will continueto work together in the future not only to make Nebraska City’s downtown a “destination” for shoppersand tourists, but to make community-wide improvements. City leaders have continued to seek CDBGfunds, and other grants as a source for these improvements, including a 2010 Nebraska AffordableHousing Trust Fund award for down payment assistance with minor rehabilitation. This is anticipatedto assist at least twelve eligible families in purchasing homes within the city.

CDBG 2006-2010Plattsmouth, Nebraska – A Vibrant and Pedestrian-Friendly Main StreetPlattsmouth’s comprehensive plan, adopted in 2004, provided a foundation for what futureimprovements should look like. The comprehensive plan stated that “downtown Plattsmouth looks a bitworn. Sidewalks need repairs and there is little to no green space. The area as a whole does not have acomfortable feel.” In addition, federal mandates required that Plattsmouth update its downtown sewersystem, which included separating its single Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO).At last in July 2010, constructionbegan on a $4.2 million downtownPlattsmouth Main Street CorridorImprovement Project that includessanitary and storm sewer separation,replacement of 1800s-era watermains, installation of ornamentalenergy efficient street lighting, newsidewalks, landscaping, and an outdoorentertainment plaza. Because mostof Main Street Plattsmouth is listedon the National Register of HistoricPlaces as a historic district, maintaining its architectural integrity is important to its continued success.With a sewer separation mandate and a good comprehensive plan, Plattsmouth Mayor R. PaulLambert, Plattsmouth City Council members, the City’s Main Street Association, and a group ofcitizens searched for means to finance these improvements. In 2003, voters approved a 1 percentlocal option sales tax with a 10-year sunset provision. In 2009, voters approved removing the sunsetprovision and raising the local sales tax an additional .05%...an increase that was restricted to street andsidewalk maintenance and improvements. Sales tax revenue is projected to cover half the project’s cost.U.S. Senator Ben Nelson obtained $1.2 million in federal funds for 55 percent of the sewer separationproject. State Revolving Funds (SRF) provided by the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality(DEQ) comprised the remainder of the money required.Fundamental to the final design was creating a vibrant and pedestrian-friendly downtown thatremained true to its architectural heritage. City officials solicited Community Development BlockGrant Downtown Revitalization (CDBG DTR) funds from the Nebraska Department of EconomicDevelopment (DED). Plans for the funds include a building façade program and a gateway/wayfindingprogram. Plattsmouth was awarded $350,000 for the project.According to Erv Portis, Plattsmouth city administrator, “Plattsmouth is proud of its downtownrevitalization presently underway. When this project is complete, our downtown will be second tonone.”Portis also thanked the many federal and state partners helping move this project forward, includingthe U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, DEQ, Nebraska Department of Roads, NebraskaDepartment of Health and Human Services, Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office, DED, andU.S. Senator Ben Nelson and his staff.

Investments, Impacts and Success StoriesValley County, Nebraska – Courthouse Renovations Take County to New HeightsA 1999 Nebraska Supreme Court survey highlighted concerns about the inaccessibility of the ValleyCounty Courthouse for some residents. As a result, the County Board discussed the need for anelevator. An architect was hired to develop a plan and cost estimates. It was soon discovered thatinstallation of an elevator would also require construction of a fire escape with exits on each floor and afire sprinkler system.Efforts were made to find funding withhelp from the Central Nebraska EconomicDevelopment District (CNEDD). In2008, CNEDD staff filed a CommunityDevelopment Block Grant (CDBG)application with the Nebraska Departmentof Economic Development (DED) andultimately received $250,000 to removearchitectural barriers at the Courthouse.This project had many driving forcesto make it possible. The Valley CountyBoard, the local Chamber and EconomicDevelopment Board, and CNEDD wereactive participants in the project’s decisionsand application process. Valley Countycitizens’ positive response to the survey alsoled to the elevators installation.To comply with required matching funds,the County sought the cooperation of LoupValley Rural Public Power in applyingfor and receiving a 10-year interest freeloan through the U.S. Department ofAgriculture in the amount of $360,000. TheCounty also used funds from an InheritanceTax Fund. In addition, two local familiesdonated towards the courthouse renovation.Valley County residents will undoubtedly benefit from the courthouse improvements. Many citizens arerequired to visit offices located on second and third floors to title or license vehicle, pay taxes, register tovote, and attend County Board meetings, among other tasks and obligations. These and other servicesprovided by the County are now accessible to all citizens.Randy O’Brien said, “As former Mayor of Ord, it has been great to see what Valley County Supervisorshave been able to do with the courthouse renovation and the addition of the much needed elevator thatwas partly financed with the state CDBG funds. Without the help of the CDBG funds these types ofprojects would be very hard to do in a community and county of our size.”

CDBG 2006-2010Wayne, Nebraska – Downtown Revitalization Improvements Benefit EveryoneIn 2006, the City of Wayne, along with the Nebraska Department of Roads repaved the streets,reconstructed sidewalks, and installed historic lighting along Main Street for a total cost of more than$2 million. While necessary, some of the improvements overlooked the need for accessibility as requiredby the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).In 2009, the City appliedfor and received a $250,000Community DevelopmentBlock Grant for DowntownRevitalization from theNebraska Department ofEconomic Development(DED). Safety concernsand ADA accessibility werebrought to the table duringthe Phase I planning process.In addition to installingADA-approved curbing andmarkings there were severallocations where uneven andcrumbling sidewalks needed tobe replaced. These hazardous and inaccessible environmental issues qualified the area for blight status.During the Phase I planning, the committee identified the neediest section of the downtown featuringthe worst sidewalks in the district to fix in addition to correcting exterior ADA problems along thatroute.During the planning session it was also noted that many downtown building façades were in need ofrepair. Façade improvements ensure better visibility of the building and tend to be more inviting to thepublic. These improvements also will meet another goal of the Downtown Revitalization Plan.In addition to the CDBG funding, the City recommended that businesses provide a 25% match forfaçade improvements and it would then cover the remaining costs of additional necessary sidewalkimprovements.Driving forces behind the project included Wayne Area Economic Development, Wayne CommunityHousing Development Corporation, Northeast Nebraska Economic Development District, the WayneDowntown Revitalization Committee and many local businesses.Wes Blecke, executive director of Wayne Area Economic Development, said, “I think the funding cameat a perfect time for Wayne. It allowed businesses and property owners to continue to invest in theirbuildings at a nicely reduced rate. It will be interesting to see how this will impact the downtown in2012 and beyond as the economy continues to recover and grow.”

York, Nebraska – Local Company Expands for Economic GrowthInvestments, Impacts and Success StoriesSince 1946, the locally owned and operated York Cold Storage Co. stored frozen foods, packaged petfood, and other goods. By 2008, the local owners were ready to retire. The company was also facingseveral critical issues, including the need to continue strong leadership in the area of accessing globalmarkets if the company was to survive; badly needed facility upgrades; and a potential 40 job-loss to thecity and surrounding area if the company was forced to close.While looking to the City for guidance and possible assistance, General Manager Adam Broughtoncontacted the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) about a CommunityDevelopment Block Grant (CDBG) funded purchase and expansion.This project involved many entities working together, including leaders of York Cold Storage Co., cityofficials and managing directors of Great West-Teeuwissen, LLC. The $4 million project costs included$329,000 in new CDBG funds from DED, $171,000 from the City of York’s revolving loan fund, and$3.5 million from private lenders.The local community really came together to support this project. The City revolving loan fund hadbeen identified as a local source of funds early on in the process; however, the size and scope of thebuy-out needed a high level of other leverage funds. Positive feedback concerning the buy-out of thisimportant local company and the CDBG funding was given at public meetings and a public hearing onthe project.Since the project started in late 2008, there have been many benefits to York and the surrounding area.York Cold Storage Co. had always provided jobs for people living throughout the area, and this CDBGproject helped retain 40 jobs. By the end of 2010, the company had even recorded growth, employing53 full-time workers.

Nebraska Department of Economic Development301 Centennial Mall SouthLincoln, NE 68509-46661-800-426-6505www.neded.org