(KLZA)-- For the past 15 years, Falls City has earned recognition as an Economic Development Certified Community.

Partnerships to develop housing and attract investment into Nebraska's bioeconomy have earned Falls City recogniton from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The Department announced Falls City's 4th certification in the state's Economic Development Certified Community program on December 13, when DED Business Development Consultant Kris Benson honored members of the Falls City Economic Development and Growth Enterprise board for their accomplishment.

Falls City is one of 38 communities to earn EDCC certification in the program which is sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by DED.

The EDCC program was established in 2005 to recognize communities for preparedness to attract new industries and expand existing businesses. Falls City received its original EDCC certification in 2009 and earned re-certification in 2014 and 2019.

Edge officials prioritize efforts to diversify industry growth in Falls City, Richardson County and Southeast Nebraska.

EDGE's extensive work in developing the 1,017-acre Mid-America Rail Campus aligns with Nebraska's BioEconomy Initiative to strengthen rural communities by leveraging the state's agricultural resources.

In November, biochemicals manufacturer Citroniq Chemicals announced Falls City as a site for the company's new decarbonized plastics production facility.

Falls City recently received an “A” rating as a Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone. Applicants are ranked by an independent review committee, based on a healthy feedstock supply and infrastructure access. In Falls City's case, the feedstock is consistent corn and soybean yields.

Collaborative efforts to create housing in Falls City resulted in two recent development projects. In 2022, EDGE partnered with the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority, Lincoln based Excel Development Group and DED to construct the Wilderness Falls III project. Falls City received $500,000 in funding from Nebraska's HOME Investment Partnership program, which is administered by DED, to help build the 16-unit affordable senior housing project.

EDGE is currently marketing available lots in the Champions Crossing neighborhood following efforts to complete the development of infrastructure and utilities.

In addition, members of EDGE and the Falls City Community Redevelopment Authority recently developed a master plan to create a 19-acre North Commercial Corridor. The area will offer accessibility to growing commercial businesses via a Nebraska Department of Transportation permit, providing direct access to businesses from US Highway 73.

EDCC Director Ashley Rice-Gerlach, said Falls City's progressive mindset continues to be an important factor in its success as an Economic Development Certified Community.