In response to the March flooding disaster, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced an open application cycle for recovery-related grants under the 2018 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Planning category.
Depending upon community needs, the CDBG Planning priority can support the preparation of strategic planning studies and feasibility analyses, including those pertaining to disaster mitigation and long-term recovery planning. Local governments, municipalities and counties may apply for assistance with disaster recovery, mitigation plans, community strategic planning, special studies and functional studies.
Funded projects must benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons. As described in DED’s 2018 CDBG Planning Application Guidelines, the community or service area must meet the CDBG national objective of principally benefiting 51% or more LMI persons, using Census or survey data. Interested units of local government can find complete application guidelines on the DED website, https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/program/community-development-block-grant/#guidelines. Regardless of flooding impact, all communities seeking eligibility for CDBG funds for planning activities must be able to demonstrate benefit to LMI persons.
Because funding is limited during the open cycle, potential applicants are encouraged to submit their applications promptly, using the 2018 Planning Application Guidelines and Form. Note that applicants should not submit the 2019 Form during this open cycle. The maximum grant amount for individual community applications is $40,000. Multi-jurisdictional applications are eligible for $60,000 max. Local governments must match project costs at 25% of CDBG awards.
DED will accept applications April 1, 2019 through June 28, 2019.
For more information, contact Steve Charleston at steve.charleston@nebraska.gov or 402-471-3757.