OMAHA- A year of debate helped launch a whopping $335 million law aimed largely at uplifting North and South Omaha, but only 35 recommended grant winners are receiving funds from a pool of 367. Among the small list of winners, which were picked out by the Nebraska Legislature, is a group seeking to renovate the "Plaza de la Raza" on South 24th Street and another looking to create a 100-acre Sankofa Innovation District on North 16th Street.

The grant winner, who were chosen because they are believed to bring the most long-lasting economic growth, are sharing grants totaling around $225 million. The remaining balance of the $335 million given to the state through the Economic Recovery Act program is already earmarked for specific projects, including a business park near Eppley Airfield and affordable housing in North Omaha.

Although only 35 businesses and corporations were chosen, Sen. Justin Wayne, who chaired the committee through which the funds were allocated, called the investments historic for disadvantaged communities. "For North and South Omaha, these state and federal dollars are truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to address the long-standing social and economic challenges that have persisted for generations," said Sen. Wayne.

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