Nebraska: Funding for Your Community
By Amber Lewis
2008 Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Funds are Available
Funds are available through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) for activities related to disaster relief, long-term recovery, and restoration of infrastructure in areas covered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declaration of major disaster 1770-DR declared on June 20, 2008. Only damages occurring during the incident period from May 22, 2008 to June 24, 2008 are considered. All projects must be able to demonstrate project activities achieve recovery and relief from last year's events.
There are two priority project types: 1) Public Infrastructure and 2) Disaster Recovery Planning.
The maximum size of grants for public infrastructure projects is $1 million dollars, and the maximum for disaster recovery planning is $200,000. These grants are 100 percent funded, so there is no financial commitment by the communities. However, it is expected that communities with accepted applications will be an active participant in the project activities.
Approximately $5.5 million dollars are available, some of which has already been awarded. Applications are accepted at any time until the funds have been obligated.
As is the case of any CDBG-funded project, the project must meet one of the three national objectives, which are: 1) Benefit to low- to moderate-income persons; 2) Aid in the Prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or 3) Urgency.
To determine whether your jurisdiction is eligible, click here for a map of the federally-declared disaster area.
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For more information about potential projects in your community, the application, funding requirements, and administration, contact Amber Lewis at 402.463.0240 or e-mail alewis@oaconsulting.com.