With apple orchards, Arbor Day Farm, and close proximity to the Missouri River, Nebraska City offers a lot to see and do. City leaders have supplemented these attractions with proactive investments in community amenities. The town’s ongoing improvements not only make Nebraska City attractive to visitors but also provide residents with fantastic facilities and infrastructure—boosting local quality of life.
Over the past decade, Nebraska City has received more than $2 million through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program to support community betterment initiatives. The CDBG Program, federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is celebrating its 50th year in 2024. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development administers CDBG program funds in the state to assist communities with projects to attract tourism, create local economic opportunity, and enhance overall livability.
“CDBG funds have had a tremendous impact throughout our community,” said Nebraska City Mayor Bryan Bequette. “With these funds, we have been able to address several critical needs such as housing, accessibility, infrastructure, recreation and tourism, and planning and rehabilitation of historic buildings.”
Notable CDBG-funded projects in Nebraska City include:
- 2014: Curb, sidewalks, and accessible ramps in and around Nuckolls Square Park
- 2015: Road improvements in the Kearney Hill neighborhood
- 2017: Restroom upgrades and new playground equipment at Nuckolls Square Park; roof replacement at Veterans Memorial Building; street replacements and storm sewer line inlets
- 2019: Rehabilitation and upgrades to the Veterans Memorial Building
“Through the collective effort of community leaders, citizens, volunteers, and the Department of Economic development, all these crucial and beneficial projects are complete,” said Mayor Bequette. “They are shining examples of what can be accomplished when a community works together.”
With the 2024 AppleJack Festival fast approaching (September 19-30), Nebraska City is ready to showcase the many qualities that make it such a marvelous community. The Veterans Memorial Building, refurbished with support from CDBG funds, is one of the venues hosting the festivities. Be sure to swing by for the fun! Details of this year’s AppleJack Festival are available at https://nebraskacity.com/festival/applejack-festival/.
Communities interested in applying for CDBG funding can learn more at: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/cdbg/ and https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/success/. An annual resource, the Nebraska CDBG Program supports projects across most of the state. Some cities in Nebraska are the administrators of CDBG in their communities—this includes Omaha, Lincoln, Bellevue, and Grand Island.