OMAHA- A $50 million federal grant was awarded to Omaha to help launch a $300 million project to revamp the city's largest public housing complex and the South Omaha neighborhoods that surround it.

Those involved in the project, including the Omaha Housing Authority, Canopy South, and Brinshore Development, have been waiting to hear if they would receive the Choice Neighborhoods grant from the U.S. Housing and Urban Development committee.

Nebraska is one of four states receiving the funds, which equate to around $180 million.

The grant, along with around $25 million in philanthropic pledges, will allow the transformation to begin. The target area for the makeover is southeast of 30th and Q Streets, Cesar Garcia of Canopy South confirmed.

Rep. Bacon, who was the first to hear of Nebraska receiving the grant, stated that he was impressed by the private-public alliance that formed around the redevelopment, and also the neighborhood input that was received. He stated, "I look forward to watching the progress of this project as it will improve the health, education, economic development and health disparities that residents in that neighborhood face every day."

The most important aspect of the project is the demolition of Southside Terrace Homes, a "barracks-like maze of 360 apartments that today houses roughly 1,300 people."

The redevelopment team plans to replace Southside Terrace Homes with a variety of dwellings, including houses, duplexes, and apartment buildings. In total, they plan on building around 760 new homes.

For the full article click HERE