OMAHA- On Friday, Gov. Jim Pillen announced awards of $234.4 million in North and South Omaha recovery grants, which will go to a wide assortment of nonprofit developers, community organizations, businesses, and the City of Omaha. Pillen announced the awards before crowds of more than 100 people at events held at Metropolitan Community College and the Livestock Exchange Building.

"These awards represent historic, historic investments for our community," said Pillen. Nebraska Department of Economic Development Director K.C. Belitz said his department anticipates the creation of at least 9,250 jobs from the grants. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert joined the governor at the podium, praising the grants. So too did Sens. Tony Vargas and Mike McDonnell, who helped spearhead the legislative efforts to create the grants.

Notably, however, Sens. Justin Wayne and Terrell McKinney were not at either event. Both lawmakers issued a statement criticizing Friday's awards. "Today's historic investment of over $234 million in North and South Omaha fell short of the transformative promise envisioned by the Legislature," they wrote, "Over 75% of the funds are being channeled into nonprofit projects with little to not economic development and are already being supported by millionaires."

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