OMAHA- About $198,000 in grants to benefit the area were announced Thursday by a committee including Douglas County Commissioner Chris Rodgers, Omaha City Councilwoman Juanita Johnson, North Omaha State Sen. Terrell McKinney and community members Ernest White and Rodney Johnson.

The funds are awarded under the Nebraska Convention Center Facility Financing Assistance Act, which dictates that much of state sales tax revenue collected by hotels and retailers within a certain distance of a convention center are to be “turned back” to political subdivisions to pay off debt for the facilities.

The act, as amended, provides that 10% of that turnback tax funding received by the City of Omaha is be used in high poverty areas for these reasons: to showcase historical aspects; to reduce street and gang violence; and to assist small-business growth.

South Omaha received a separate portion of turnback tax grants worth about $198,000 for the 2023-24 grant cycle.

For the full article click HERE