LINCOLN- After several months of deliberation by state officials, applications have finally begun to open for grants that will go towards community projects in North and South Omaha. On Thursday, it was announced that four of the eight planned categories are now open, with the rest becoming available later this year. Organizations hoping to secure funding for their projects have called the process a rollercoaster, while others await their specific category to open.

The funding for the grants comes from the almost three-year-old ARPA funding, which was given to Nebraska during the COVID-19 pandemic as relief for impoverished communities. The fund must be utilized by 2026. Over the past year, Olsson, an organization hired by the Legislature, has been studying the proposed projects and making recommendations. In total, 30 projects out of 367 were recommended.

The Department of Economic Development, which received the funds through the passage of LB531 in the spring, is set to disburse the funds. Cesar Garcia, executive director of Canopy South, one of the applicants, said he's the applications for his category have finally opened. "We're excited about this opportunity and we believe we have everything that is required to make a good impression," he said. Canopy South, in partnership with several other organizations, has submitted two applications in the infrastructure category.

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