LINCOLN- Eight Nebraska communities will share about $7 million in grants to assist with long-term disaster recovery projects. The awards, announced by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, come from the federal Community Development Block Grant program. They provide a local 25% match, or gap funding, required for federal funding allocated earlier to Nebraska in the wake of devastating floods in 2019.

According to the DED, the funds will help projects focused on floodwater mitigation, residential elevation and residential and commercial property acquisitions. Fairbury is among the places set to get an award. “The City of Fairbury is excited to utilize this funding to assist homeowners with mitigation of flood-prone properties and to financially help them to build resilient futures,” said Laura Bedlan, director of development services.

DED anticipates awarding another $7 million for more flood disaster projects soon. That batch of awards is to be used on infrastructure repairs to roads, bridges, culverts and public parks and facilities.The eight communities set to share the initial nearly $7 million in grants: Omaha, Winslow, Platte County, North Bend Drainage District, Dodge County, Wood River, Peru, and Fairbury.

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