Gov. Heineman Celebrates Development Week, Value of CDBG Program

Gov. Heineman Celebrates Development Week, Value of CDBG Program

Gov. Dave Heineman celebrated National Community Development Week today by emphasizing the important role played by the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) in Nebraska. The annual celebration was used to spotlight several positive economic development projects tied to the federal grant funding.

"The ground-level funding these grants provide to state and local economic development decision makers empower individual communities to make the best choices they can for growing the future of their cities and towns," Gov. Heineman said. "I realize the finite resources of the federal budget, but these programs are vital to economic growth. CDBG funding is an investment in the quality of Nebraska communities."

Over the past five years, $72.6 million in federal CDBG funding has been invested in 400 projects statewide that sparked $540 million in state, local and private investments. Some 45 percent of Nebraska's CDBG distribution is invested in economic development projects, including $30.6 million that has created or retained 3,000 jobs across the state, according to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED).

DED Director Richard Baier said, "I think these statistics more than support the value and continuing need for the CDBG program, which has served Nebraska communities for 25 years and proven an irreplaceable resource for meeting community and economic development needs. I cannot emphasize enough the value of these funds."

National Community Development Week was started in 1986 to remind Congress of the value of the CDBG program, which helps communities update city infrastructure, plan for future development and attract new jobs. To celebrate Community Development Week in Nebraska, Gov. Heineman presented several awards for outstanding efforts by communities in the areas of economic development and community revitalization.

The 2006 Governor's Showcase Community Award was presented to the community of Laurel in Cedar County.

Laurel's accomplishments include constructing a new recycling facility; improving its landscaping; creating a new 27-lot housing development; combining the school and city libraries to create the Laurel Learning Center; constructing a $350,000 sports complex that includes a football field and track; applying CDBG funding toward the rehabilitation of 13 homes and down-payment assistance on eight homes; receiving Tree City USA status; establishing the Laurel Community Foundation; fund-raising to make the municipal swimming pool and community bathhouse handicapped-accessible; creating a community walking trail, wellness council, and health fair; creating a safe walkway under U.S. Highway 20 for students walking from school to the Norris Addition; and hosting its annual Ag Days and pancake feed events. The communities of Columbus, Bassett and Potter were recognized with the 2006 Honorary Showcase Community Awards.

Also applauded during the celebration were efforts in community development beyond the scope of CDBG funding.

Receiving Lincoln's Metropolitan Award was The Sunken Gardens Renovation Project: The 73-year-old nationally known park had aged, and safety, accessibility and maintenance had become concerns. Renovation of the Sunken Gardens involved a $1.7 million fund-raising campaign, of which $200,000 was provided by the City of Lincoln. The remaining funds came from private donations. The Gardens' transformation included a new handicapped-accessible entrance; an entry pavilion; a restored, cascading water feature; new sculptural elements; renovated lily pools; and an automated irrigation and lighting system. Receiving Lincoln's Honorable Mention Awards were the IMPACT Project, Russ's Market Facade Improvement, and Havelock Pedestrian Link and Parking Lot.

Receiving Omaha's Foundation Excellence Award was The Omaha Community Foundation (OCF): OCF was established in 1982 to serve the greater Omaha area, and it has become one of the nation's leading community foundations. Over the past 24 years, it has invested nearly $330 million in Omaha and surrounding communities. Thanks to OCF, more than $210,000 in grants has been awarded through its Neighborhood Grants program. Since 1983, the Foundation also has awarded approximately $2.3 million through its Fund for Omaha to support the work of many nonprofit organizations.

Receiving Omaha's Neighborhood Excellence Award was Salem Baptist Church: For more than 80 years, Salem Baptist Church has played a critical, leading role in the economic and social fabric of North Omaha. In 1981, Salem built the J.C. Wade Manor for Senior Living, a manor that provides 50 low-income rental units for North Omaha's elderly citizens. Salem also runs a food pantry and children's center.

Receiving Omaha's Government Excellence Award was: The Community Planning and Development Division (CPD) of the regional Housing and Urban Development Office: The CPD Division works closely with the City of Omaha and area nonprofit organizations to provide housing, suitable living environments and to expand economic opportunities for low- and middle-income individuals throughout the metropolitan area.

Receiving the Omaha Education Excellence Award was: Omaha Neighborhood Scan (ONS): Working with area partners, ONS has rated more than 4,000 properties in six Omaha neighborhoods to educate landlords and homeowners alike about housing, safety, environmental concerns and a host of other issues. As a result, neighborhoods are collaborating with the City of Omaha and to address deterioration and blight concerns.

For information on each community award and the program, please visit the 2006 Nebraska Community Development Week/CDBG program Web site at http://crd.neded.org/ncip/cdweek.htm

http://gov.nol.org/news/2006_04/17_cdbg.html