LINCOLN- Officials with the Cities of Ralston and Grand Island are making a late pitch for state funds to help redevelop sites for new businesses and jobs. In Ralston, officials are eyeing the demolition of a 1950s-era shopping center, called Hillcrest Landing, for redevelopment on the Omaha suburb’s Main Street. In Grand Island, funds are being sought to extend infrastructure, such as water and sewer service, to the 20-square-mile site of the former Cornhusker Ammunition Plant.

Senator Loren Lippincott is leading the charge as he presented an amended version of his Legislative Bill 600 to members of the Transportation and Telecommunications Committee. Under his amendment, $10 million would be transferred from the state’s ample cash reserves into a “Municipality Infrastructure Aid Fund.” Cities and towns could apply for grants of up to $5 million each to revitalize areas for economic development.

The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee had questions surrounding the proposal in a hearing last week. Committee members were also concerned with the time of the change as the legislative session nears its final days. The committee did adopt the new amendment but did not advance LB600 out of the committee.

For the full article click HERE