(KLZA)-- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) awards $3,915,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to nine communities through the 2022 Downtown Revitalization Opportunity. Projects include the rehabilitation of downtown commercial buildings and sidewalk/street improvements.

A federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program, administered by DED on behalf of Nebraska- non-entitlement communities, provides CDBG dollars to help communities tackle projects that enhance public health and safety, economic well-being, local vitality, and quality of life.

All the funded communities established a solid approach to impactful community development, demonstrating collaboration, and support by the local businesses and residents for downtown revitalization.

Auburn. The City of Auburn, Nemaha County, was awarded $435,000 for the rehabilitation of commercial properties within the downtown supporting local businesses. Auburn has completed two successful DTR implementation phases resulting in more than 40 completed projects. Each of which has resulted in the improvement of the downtown business district. This project includes the reconstruction of up to six privately owned commercial building facades, along with meeting public safety and energy efficiency needs.

Fairbury. The City of Fairbury, Jefferson County, was awarded $435,000 for rehabilitation of commercial properties within the downtown supporting local businesses. A Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Plan was completed in 2021 that was funded by a 2019 CDBG Planning award. Residents, business owners, and groups like the Historic Preservation Committee worked together in planning sessions to set a plan for downtown restoration. The project includes the renovation of up to eight privately owned commercial building facades, along with meeting public safety and energy efficiency needs.

Syracuse. The City of Syracuse, Otoe County, was awarded $435,000 for rehabilitation of commercial properties within the downtown supporting local businesses. In 2021, Syracuse completed a Downtown Revitalization (DTR) Plan prepared by the University of Nebraska at Lincoln (UNL), which defined the boundaries of the downtown business district. The project includes the renovation of up to 14 privately owned commercial building facades, along with meeting public safety and energy efficiency needs.

Also receiving grants were: Aurora, Benkelman, David City, Hebron, Pierce and Sutton.