Grant Season Is Upon Us

By Amber Lewis

Grant money for infrastructure improvements is available for your community! The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding available in the community development (formerly public works) and planning categories. Funding from both categories can be used to address your community's infrastructure needs. If your community is interested in pursuing CDBG funding, you should talk with me or your contact at Olsson soon.

Community development funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including street paving, clean water and drinking water, sanitary sewer treatment and collection, flood control and drainage, senior centers, community centers, fire halls, removal of ADA barriers, etc. Up to $350,000 is available with a required 25 percent match. These applications are due April 14, 2010.

Planning funds can be used for community strategic planning, including neighborhood comprehensive plans, community needs assessments, transportation plans, downtown revitalization comprehensive plans, economic development studies, drainage plans, water system studies, etc. Up to $350,000 is available with a required 25 percent match. These applications are due April 9, 2010.

To be eligible, the applicant must be a county or a municipality under 50,000 in population. The project must meet one of the national objectives, which are:

Benefiting low- and moderate-income persons (51 percent or above)

Aiding in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight

If you don't think your community qualifies, please talk with us as there are ways to assist your community in achieving eligibility.

Olsson Associates has highly qualified and skilled employees to handle all of your grant-related activities. Amber Lewis, funding specialist, is a professional grant writer and a certified grant administrator who can provide your community with these services. Please contact Amber Lewis at 402.463.0240 or e-mail alewis@oaconsulting.com.

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