Gov. Ricketts (podium) provides an update on the State’s plan to Get Nebraska Growing. Video from today’s briefing will be available after 6:00 p.m. by clicking here.
Today, Governor Pete Ricketts and State officials hosted a press conference to provide updates on several new grant programs. Combined, the programs will award $387 million in grants, using federal coronavirus relief dollars, to help get the Nebraska economy growing in the coming weeks and months.
“Our Get Nebraska Growing initiatives are part of $7.8 billion in federal assistance that has come to Nebraska to aid our coronavirus response,” said Gov. Ricketts. “These business, agriculture, and rural broadband grants will directly address the economic hardships that our state continues to face as we recover from the pandemic.”
The new programs will be administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) in partnership with the Nebraska Departments of Labor (NDOL) and Agriculture (NDA). Each addresses a specific economic challenge or need created by the coronavirus pandemic.
A website has been created with information about these new grant programs, including eligibility requirements, how to apply, application deadlines, and frequently asked questions. The website is located at getnebraskagrowing.nebraska.gov. Additional questions can be directed to DED’s Get Nebraska Growing information hotline at 855-264-6858.
“The impact of coronavirus has resulted in dramatically lower market prices for our farmers and ranchers,” said NDA Director Steve Wellman. “As they fight through these tough economic times, I hope the stabilization grants will provide some much-needed assistance. I appreciate Governor Ricketts for realizing the importance of the agricultural industry to our state and committing funds to help our producers.”
“The Workforce Retraining program will help open up pathways to employment in high-demand careers and industries,” said Commissioner of Labor John H. Albin. “This collaboration between NDOL, community colleges, and employers will allow workers to build new skillsets and employers to tap into new labor pools through Registered Apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and other programs.”
“These grant programs will address critical areas to help the Nebraska economy get back to being one of the fastest-growing in the nation,” said DED Director Anthony L. Goins. “We’re listening to the needs of people and communities whose livelihoods have been impacted or put on hold as a result of the pandemic, and we’re going to execute with a real sense of care and urgency to support and aid our fellow Nebraskans.”
Full video of today’s press briefing will be available after 6:00 p.m. by clicking here.