SENDD

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SENDD @ Work in Your Community.

Learn about the latest SENDD news including project updates, featured regional events, and current funding opportunities.

12.23.2022

The new FCC broadband maps are out, and SENDD needs your help to correct them by January 13, 2023

SENDD’s speed test initiative painted a more accurate picture of broadband service across the region by representing service and speed at every address that submitted a test. For years, the FCC has similarly sought to evaluate broadband availability at a more granular level. On November 18, the FCC published the highly-anticipated “fabric map” at broadbandmap.fcc.gov. The concept is simple: report broadband availability information including providers, speeds, and technologies at every single home and business in the country. As with any first draft, the maps released last month are in need of revisions – and everyone has been handed a red pen with the FCC’s incorporation of fabric and availability challenges.

A solid quick-start guide is available at broadband.nebraska.gov/FCCBroadbandMapChallenge.

Each state’s allocation of Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funds is based in part on these maps. At the end of June 2023, the NTIA will evaluate the nationwide total of unserved locations and allocate to each state $100 million plus an additional amount adjusted for the state’s share of said total locations. Put differently, challenges that prove a location to be unserved (rather than underserved) or call into question the validity of a provider’s reporting mean more money for broadband deployment in Nebraska. Challenges could mean the difference between $150 million and $250 million – and tens of thousands of homes receiving cutting-edge high speed internet.

Between now and January 13, 2023, focus first on verifying availability of Licensed Fixed Wireless, Copper (DSL), Cable, and Fiber reported at a given location. Satellite (both GSO and NGSO) and Unlicensed Fixed Wireless are not considered “reliable broadband technologies,” and entries delivered by these technologies will NOT be counted in the final tally of unserved/served locations to determine NE’s BEAD allocation.

10.28.2022

The National Telecommunications and Information Agency (NTIA), the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA) ran a Digital Equity Plan Workshop hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City September 29th and 30th. Michael Dwiggins and Oliver Borchers-Williams attended the workshop on the invitation of Anne Byers, Nebraska’s point-person for the federal State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program. The workshop, which was attended by representatives from multiple states, was intended to clarify the rules and requirements of the digital equity grant program and give the people running the states’ digital equity programs knowledge and material to effectively plan and implement the grants.

The purpose of Michael and Oliver attending the workshop was so they could learn what is recommended by the NDIA on how to plan for the capacity grants and how to implement these recommendations. These included an outline for the digital equity plan, creating an asset inventory to catalog existing digital equity efforts in the region, and data sources that can be used to gather important information on the covered populations in the region.

One of the most helpful resources the NDIA handed out was a model outline for the state digital equity plan. The handout clearly outlined all the steps mandated by the NOFO for the digital equity grant, and Anne decided to adopt it as a skeleton for the state’s digital equity plan. Michael and Oliver, along with the other development districts, will work with Anne to flesh out this skeleton and fill it with details that accurately reflect the plans of the development districts and the state as a whole. The adoption of this plan creates additional opportunities for SENDD to help shape the state’s digital equity plan and ensure that the needs of our stakeholders are fully met.

To learn more about Broadband or if you would like to sit down with Michael or Oliver to determine how your community/county can strengthen their broadband efforts, please call our office today.

9.14.2022

SENDD Sees Success with First Tax Increment Financing Workshop

On September 7, 2022, Southeast Nebraska Development District hosted a General Overview on Tax Increment Financing (TIF) at Southeast Community College. Joe Johnson, with Olsson, presented on the ins and outs of TIF to over 40 individuals, participating both virtually and in person.

TIF is a method to capture and use a portion of the new property tax revenues generated from new development in a blighted and substandard area. It is an incentive for rehabilitation of substandard and blighted areas and is not an exemption from paying property taxes, rather redirection of  property taxes generated by new development.

A big change in TIF was when LB-1021 was passed in 2020 that allows for Micro-TIF, which allows for no redevelopment plan, no planning commission approval, no cost benefit analysis, no governing body approval, and no required public hearing.

The workshop was recorded and can be viewed at https://youtu.be/758vw1KwOGM.

This was one of four events that SENDD is hosted in regards to TIF. The next three events were held virtually via zoom –

SENDD is always looking for ways to provide more training and education to communities. If there is a specific topic you would like to learn more about, please contact SENDD today at (402) 475-2560.

Inquiries about these events can be directed to Kelly Gentrup, Economic Development Specialist at kgentrup@sendd.org or (402) 475-2560.

8.4.2022

SENDD to Host a Four-Part Webinar Series on Tax Increment Financing
Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) is hosting a four-part webinar series on Tax Increment Financing (TIF). These webinars will take place throughout the month of September into October and will focus on four main perspectives: general overview, banking, legal, and community/economic development. Elected Officials, Clerks/Administrators, EDOs, Developers, and Businesses are all encouraged to attend. See details for each event below –

General Overview of TIF
Date/Time: September 7, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Speaker: Joe Johnson, Olsson and Associates
Where: Southeast Community College, Jack J. Huck Building – Room 303-304
301 S 68th St, Lincoln, NE
To Register: Click here or the button below to register or contact Kelly Gentrup with SENDD at kgentrup@sendd.org or (402) 475-2560
*Light lunch will be provided. Please let Kelly know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Cost to Attend: $10.00 to cover the cost of lunch. Cash/Check will only be accepted.

Banking Perspective
Date/Time: September 21, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Speaker: Jeremy Voss
Where: This is a Virtual Webinar
RSVP: Register to get the zoom link at https://bit.ly/3cXnGnL

Legal Perspective
Date/Time: September 28, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Speaker: David Levy, Baird Holm
Where: This is a Virtual Webinar
RSVP: Register to get the zoom link at https://bit.ly/3cXnGnL

Community/Economic Development Perspective
Date/Time: October 5, 12:00 – 1:00 PM
Speaker: Tobias Tempelmeyer, City of Beatrice
Where: This is a Virtual Webinar
RSVP: Register to get the zoom link at https://bit.ly/3cXnGnL

For more information about the event, please contact Kelly Gentrup, Economic Development Specialist with Southeast Nebraska Development District at (402) 475-2560 or kgentrup@sendd.org.

6.28.2022

SENDD Seeking a Community Development Specialist for Auburn Location

The Southeast Nebraska Development District (“SENDD”), in Lincoln, Nebraska, is seeking to hire a full-time Community Development Specialist for its Auburn, Nebraska location.

SENDD is a dynamic community and economic development organization that serves the people of southeast Nebraska. The organization offers great benefits and perks, awesome coworkers, and a busy, but fun, work environment.  

The Community Development (CD) Specialist is part of a team that helps find solutions for the challenges facing rural towns and villages. CD Specialists are asked to do the following:

  1. Grant writing, grant administration, grant compliance, and project management of local, state, and federally funded community, housing, and economic development programs and projects in the SENDD District.

  2. Facilitate strategic planning, action planning, and leadership development processes for local municipalities and counties in the SENDD District.

  3. Provide oversight and direction to engineering and architectural consultants during design, bidding, and construction management phases of projects to meet federal and state compliance of projects.

  4. Community and regional planning activities, including assistance in the development of a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for a 16-county region including citizen participation processes, data collection, research, and community inventories.

  5. Establish rapport and excellent working relationships with SENDD membership, partnering organizations, and agencies to further the mission of SENDD.

  6. Facilitate conversations between locally-elected officials and state and federal agencies.

  7. Other duties as needed.

The ideal candidate is someone with initiative, who is detail-oriented, dependable, works well with others, and possesses strong problem-solving skills. 

For a small organization, SENDD offers great benefits, such as 100% company-paid health insurance, a flexible Monday to Friday work week, aggressive paid time off, and more.  

Southeast Nebraska Development District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Click button below to apply.

4.25.2022

SENDD to Host a Virtual Roundtable Discussion on Economic Development Financing

SENDD staff are coordinating with local banks to provide an Economic Development Financing Roundtable Discussion. Join us today to learn how banks and economic development districts can partner on business and housing loans. Speakers include Kelly Gentrup with SENDD, Pat Kenner with Thayer County Bank, and Jon Schmaderer with Tri-County Bank. The primary target for attendance is bankers, but community leaders and stakeholders are welcome to attend, especially if you are not as familiar with our business and housing resources. This is free to attend and will take place over zoom (will be recorded). Click here to register for the zoom link.

Registration details -
When: May 10, 2022 from 12:00 - 1:00pm
Where: This is a zoom meeting, registration is required.
What: How banks and economic development districts can partner on housing & business loans
RSVP: kgentrup@sendd.org or (402) 475-2560

Agenda:
12:00pm - Welcome & Introductions,
Kelly Gentrup
12:05pm - Overview of SENDD Resources (Business & Housing),
Kelly Gentrup
12:20pm - How banks can participate with districts or Economic Development Organizations on projects,
Pat Kenner/Jon Schmaderer
12:35pm - Success stories, Holt & Thayer County,
Pat Kenner/Jon Schmaderer
12:50pm - Questions
1:00pm - Adjourn

4.21.2022

Gage County Partners with Nextlink, Approves Rural Broadband Expansion Plan

BEATRICE, April 6, 2022 – Over 1,000 homes in rural Gage County will soon receive high-speed fiber optic broadband through a $10 million public-private partnership with Nextlink approved by the Gage County Board of Supervisors this Wednesday. The unanimous decision concluded a month-long review of three proposals submitted in response to the County’s request for proposals opened in late January.

“Our county received almost $4.2 million with the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Through those guidelines, we discussed the best way to impact the most people and landed on broadband. When we talk about broadband, we are helping farmers in fields, people working from home, kids doing their homework or learning remotely, and more,” said Gage County Supervisor Emily Haxby. “Our subcommittee unanimously recommends moving forward with contract negotiations with Nextlink.”

Nextlink will match the County’s $4 million ARPA contribution with nearly $3 million of its own capital. The proposed network will offer rural residents in the project area fiber optic broadband with speeds of up to 2,000 Mbps download, 2,000 Mbps upload once construction is complete in approximately two years.

This partnership will complement the company’s countywide fixed wireless deployment, connecting hundreds of additional households to cutting-edge wireless broadband. Nextlink was awarded $2.7 million in the Federal Communications Commission’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund just over one year ago to construct Gigabit-capable wireless networks in the county.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to work with Gage County in expanding our high-speed broadband network further across the County”, said Bill Baker, CEO of Nextlink Internet. “As an internet provider focused on serving rural communities, we understand the critical importance of high quality, affordable internet to families trying to run a home-based business or work from home, children trying to get their homework done, and farmers trying to operate in the 21st century.”

Hudson Oaks, Texas-based Nextlink currently offers fiber-to-the-home broadband services to 5,000 subscribers in several Texas communities and Hickman, Nebraska. An additional 80,000 subscribers rely on the company’s fixed wireless offerings in seven states: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois and South Dakota.

Broadband access has been a top priority for Gage County and others across Nebraska as the need for improved rural connectivity increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Gage County’s partnership with Nextlink is the first of its kind in the state, setting a valuable precedent for public involvement in closing the rural digital divide. We are delighted to see this project moving forward,” said Oliver Borchers-Williams, broadband liaison for the Southeast Nebraska Development District.

The Board of Supervisors also approved a contract with Loel Brooks and Universal Broadband Consulting to conduct negotiations with Nextlink and entered into an agreement with Norris Public Power District, Nebraska Public Power District, and several neighboring counties to conduct a feasibility study that will help guide future broadband deployment in the region.

1.26.2022

State Broadband Funds to Impact SENDD Communities

The Southeast Nebraska Development District is pleased to announce the communities and areas of Holland, Martell, Sprague, North Ellis, Nemaha County, Peru, De Witt, Fairbury, and Wymore will soon receive high-speed fiber optic broadband. Grants for projects in these communities were awarded to Allo, Diller Telephone, Pinpoint, and Windstream on January 4, 2022, through the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Program (NBBP).

Four providers were awarded a total of $3,010,528 by the Nebraska Public Service Commission to serve 9 communities/rural areas in SENDD’s area. Locations to be served in those communities include:

  • Holland - 88 locations

  • Martell - 60 locations

  • Sprague - 184 locations

  • North Ellis - 67 locations

  • Nemaha County - 98 locations

  • Peru - 88 locations

  • De Witt - 131 locations

  • Fairbury - 49 locations

  • Wymore - 857 locations

Created by the Nebraska Broadband Bridge Act, the NBBP provides up to $40 million dollars over two grant cycles for the deployment of broadband networks capable of at least 100/100 Mbps (up/down) in unserved and underserved areas of the state.

“By connecting rural Nebraska with broadband access, we are opening countless doors for growth and economic development. This is an actual infrastructure investment for the future of Nebraska which will connect our rural areas seamlessly with the rest of the world.  SENDD is committed to helping our member counties and communities take advantage of every possible tool available to them now, and in the years to come for economic stabilization and growth,” says Erich Tiemann, SENDD’s Chairman of the Board.

SENDD has partnered with other development districts in the state to collect user-generated speed tests that paint a more accurate picture of broadband service in Nebraska. To contribute to the Nebraska Broadband Speed Test and strengthen applications in the next rounds of grant funding, take a test today by visiting the following link: https://www.sendd.org/broadband.

Email us today (mdwiggins@sendd.org or oliverbw@sendd.org) to learn how your community or county can prepare for broadband growth that will enhance broadband capacity for your schools, businesses, medical providers, ag producers, and families. Now is the time for your community to prepare for the next round of broadband grant funds from the State.

12.21.2021

SENDD Partners with Council of Development Finance Agencies on Regional Food Finance Plan

Contact: Liz Cody at (402) 475-2560 or lcody@sendd.org

For Immediate Release:

The Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA) is a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. For the past five years, CDFA has been funded by the W.K. Kellogg Foundation to research how development finance agencies can become more engaged in developing localized food systems through traditional finance approaches.

CDFA is collaborating with Southeast Nebraska Development District to produce a strategic financing plan for the local food system. The plan will focus on the use of traditional development finance tools -- like bonds, tax credits, and revolving loan funds -- to meet regional infrastructure and small business needs for food and agriculture-related development.

A regional advisory committee is being formed to advise on the project’s direction, review and provide feedback on deliverables, and to act as a resource to the CDFA team; connecting them to key stakeholders and providing them with background information and relevant data. 

Regional stakeholders and members of the advisory committee will have the opportunity to shape the future of our local food system and create new opportunities for small businesses and food organizations. If you would like more information about this project or are interested in being included as a stakeholder or by serving on the advisory committee, please reach out to lcody@sendd.org.

11.19.2021

State Partnerships, Nationwide Marketing Highlight Development Efforts in City of York

CONTACT Kate Ellingson at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3749 or kate.ellingson@nebraska.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

State Partnerships, Nationwide Marketing Highlight Development Efforts in City of York

City recognized in Nebraska’s Economic Development Certified Community program for business, industrial site expansions 

November 19, 2021 (LINCOLN, NEB.) – More than $60 million in business investments in the city of York (pop. 7,832) have created a national platform for new development and earned accolades from the State of Nebraska. This week, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) honored the City for its continued success in the Economic Development Certified Community Program (EDCC). DED Central Nebraska Business Development Consultant, Kelly Gewecke, recognized the community’s recertification in the program during a special presentation on November 18.

York is one of 40 Nebraska communities to earn EDCC status in the program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by DED. State officials established the EDCC program in 2005 to recognize communities for preparedness to attract new industries and grow existing businesses. As part of the certification process, qualifying cities and villages must identify a well-defined program that engages with their existing business community to offer a supportive environment for welcoming new economic development projects. This includes documenting available sites and buildings, developing local financing and incentive programs and creating ongoing strategic planning for economic growth. York received its original EDCC certification in 2011, and was recertified this week as well as in 2016.

Over the past five years, City leaders and members of York County Development Corporation (YCDC) have built a partnership geared towards business recruitment and expansion efforts. In 2020, York Cold Storage announced plans for a $5 million expansion project to further strengthen the company’s supply chain and storage capabilities for ice, frozen foods and bulk materials for pet food and pharmaceutical products. Additional project collaborators included the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) and DED via a state-administered Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Economic Development. The expansion project resulted in 13 new jobs at the facility.

YCDC celebrated the opening of the McLean Beef meat locker in York in 2021. The harvesting and meat market facility is an extension of the four generation McClean family’s dairy and cattle business in Benedict. The McClean’s York facility offers custom exempt beef and pork processing, catering and curbside pickup services and online meat orders.

Nebraska Diplomats President Tim O’Brien said Nebraska EDCC leaders consistently value opportunities to create diverse business portfolios in their communities.

“Local, regional and State collaborators understand that it is essential to generate development within a variety of industries to build a viable workforce,” O’Brien said. “Nebraska’s EDCC’s often serve as springboards for growth in new and expanding businesses, which in turn create jobs and economic sustainability in their communities. We commend leaders in the City of York and YCDC for their continued success in our EDCC program.” 

Starting in 2017, the City partnered with YCDC to complete due diligence, master planning and marketing of a 34-acre industrial site. This included a 2020 virtual flyover video and virtual reality video of a virtual spec building, which resulted in a 2021 International Economic Development Council (IEDC) Award for multi-media production to showcase the site’s virtual spec building. IEDC's Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world's best economic development programs and partnerships, marketing materials, and the year's most influential leaders. YCDC earned a silver ranking in IEDC’s Multimedia/Video Promotion category. The group’s 25 award categories honor organizations and individuals for their efforts in creating positive changes in urban, suburban and rural communities. IEDC received more than 500 submissions from four countries in 2021.

“The York community and our partners are dedicated to welcoming new and expanding businesses through creative marketing efforts, which is an important aspect of Nebraska’s EDCC program,” said YCDC Executive Director Lisa Hurley. “We are excited to continue to grow as a newly recertified EDCC community.”

CDBG funding for Downtown Revitalization (DTR) has resulted in the completion 22 façade and code improvement projects in the downtown district. DTR efforts have been supported by more than $1 million in public and private investments.

Community leaders have also prioritized housing development efforts since York’s 2016 EDCC recertification. Local investments have created 96 new rental housing units and resulted in the completion of seven purchase-rehab-resale units. York leaders continue to create additional opportunities for development on new housing lots in the community.

“Congratulations to the City and YCDC for York’s recertification as an Economic Development Certified Community,” said Mayor Barry Redfern. “EDCC’s are a special group of communities that are ready, willing and able to handle economic development, and we look forward to creating ongoing opportunities for growth.”

For more information on the Economic Development Certified Community Program, contact Ashley Rice-Gerlach at 308-655-0919 or ashley.gerlach@nebraska.gov, or visit https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/program/economic-development-certified-community-edcc/.

9.23.2021

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $830,123 in CARES Act Recovery Assistance to Capitalize Revolving Loan Fund to Support Small Businesses in Southeast Nebraska

Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding an $830,123 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to the Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) to capitalize and administer a Revolving Loan Fund, providing gap financing to small, local businesses in Butler, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Johnson, Lancaster, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee, Polk, Richardson, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, and York counties.

“The Economic Development Administration is committed to helping communities across the nation implement strategies to mitigate economic hardships brought on by the coronavirus pandemic,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment in the SENDD will provide businesses with access to financing and will support economic recovery and resiliency, leading to new job opportunities and a stronger regional economy.”

“The COVID-19 pandemic was especially tough on our small businesses, many of which had to shut their doors for a time and are still struggling to hire workers,” said Senator Deb Fischer. “That’s why it’s good news that the SENDD will receive this investment through a grant program created by the 2020 CARES Act. These resources will go a long way toward helping our businesses owners access the capital they need to get back on their feet.”

This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the SENDD. EDA funds SENDD to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (Public Law 116-136 PDF), which provided EDA with $1.5 billion for economic assistance programs to help communities prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) (PDF) program, provides a wide range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.

8.25.2021

SENDD Partners with UNL to Help Communities

SENDD and UNL's Community and Regional Planning program have partnered with David City and Syracuse to work on downtown revitalization plans during the Fall 2021 semester. Dr. Zhenghong Tang, professor and director of the Community and Regional Planning program, says the projects "will be a great opportunity for the planning students in the College of Architecture at University of Nebraska-Lincoln to get hands-on experience...At the same time, as a land-grant university, the students and faculty can apply their expertise and skills to help the community for more effective planning strategies in downtown economic development."

Clayton Keller, City Administrator for David City said, "We are grateful that SENDD and UNL are willing to help our community create a vision for the future of our downtown.

Mayor Dettmer of Syracuse said she is "excited to be working with UNL Community and Regional Planning Program on the downtown revitalization of Syracuse. It will be interesting to see how others view our downtown and show us different ways to improve patronage."

Local business leaders are equally enthusiastic about this new partnership and what it can mean for their communities. "Downtown Syracuse is a very vital part of our city for many small business owners," noted Tyler Kriefels, Associate Broker with Burrows Tracts Real Estate. "Maintaining our infrastructure and facades of these buildings is extremely important for the longevity of our community and future generations and business to keep Syracuse a growing community."

Mike Moravec, owner and president of Moravec Financial Advisors, Inc. said that "as a long time resident and business owner in David City, it's exciting to hear of a potential downtown revitalization effort...It's important to our local economy that our downtown be an inviting space that people want to come to dine, shop, and do business."

For more information on these partnerships, please contact Tom Bliss at tbliss@sendd.org.

6.22.2021

The City of Ashland Honored as 30th Nebraska Leadership Certified Community for Economic Development Efforts

Last week, the Department of Economic Development (DED) announced the City as Nebraska’s newest member of the Leadership Certified Community (LCC) program. DED Southeast Nebraska Business Development Consultant Deb Eggleston honored City officials during a special presentation on Thursday, June 17. 

Ashland is one of 30 Nebraska communities to qualify for DED’s LCC program, created in 2011 to help villages and municipalities adapt to ongoing changes and opportunities in economic development. Certified communities must demonstrate an understanding for and preparedness in strategic planning, and display readiness in technological development to help new and existing businesses grow. Qualifying LCC’s earn status in the program for five years and are required to maintain community websites to market local development, which may include information on available sites and buildings and regional employment opportunities.

2.11.2021

Nebraska Association Works to Improve Broadband By Closing the Digital Divide

The Nebraska Regional Officials Council (NROC) announces the launch of a statewide broadband mapping initiative.  Every Nebraskan is encouraged to partake in the one-minute speed test from any internet-enabled device, including cell phones. Speed data will provide decision makers a better understanding of where internet accessibility is limited or not available, and where speeds are not meeting the needs of today’s users. 

The purpose of this initiative is to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas. The captured information will provide statistically sound data that can be used by communities, counties, and key stakeholders as they plan for broadband infrastructure expansion or enhancement projects. “Results from this study will give local and state officials a better understanding of where underserved and unserved Nebraska residents are,” NROC’s President CJ Poltack noted. “Furthermore, it will allow the state to align with Governor Rickett’s legislative priority of improving broadband services for the entire state.”

Individuals are encouraged to take the free test at https://www.speedtestne.org. Participation by everyone is essential and no personal information will be collected. Repeated speed tests by the same users are encouraged during the two-year initiative in order to better capture variations in internet speeds and collect more statistically valid data.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the need for broadband accessibility with students’ remote learning and employees working from home. NROC’s initiative will explore how these demands are affecting current providers’ speeds and find gaps in service.

“I would like to encourage Nebraskans to participate in this initiative,” said Ed Toner, CIO for the State of Nebraska and Chair of the Rural Broadband Task Force. “Speed test data can help identify areas which lack broadband so strategies and funding to connect these areas can be identified.”

Collected data will provide the most comprehensive, validated, real-time reporting of actual upload and download speeds recorded in the state. The study will be conducted by GEO Partners, LLC – an independent data collection firm with extensive expertise, and not affiliated with any internet service providers (ISPs). 

This project is funded through a U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) CARES grant specifically to address recovery and resiliency efforts for all affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

11.23.2020

Economic Development Administration Invests $1.2 Million to Provide Critical Utility Infrastructure Improvements in Tecumseh, Nebraska

The U.S. Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.2 million grant to the City of Tecumseh, Nebraska, to make critical utility infrastructure improvements needed to increase electricity generation capacity and stability. The EDA grant, to be matched with $304,863 in local investment, is expected to create 50 jobs and spur $2 million in private investment.

“(EDA) is committed to retaining jobs and creating new opportunities for Americans,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The increased electrical generation capacity in Tecumseh, Nebraska, will supply sufficient electricity for commercial and industrial use, improving the resiliency of the community and the region.”

“Major flooding in Nebraska in 2019 impacted the supply of electricity in the state,” said Dana Gartzke, Performing the Delegated Duties of the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development. “Improving the electricity supply in Tecumseh will provide stability for nearby businesses when faced with future natural disasters and will allow a nearby business to expand, bolstering job opportunities in the community.”

10.8.2020

Jefferson County Awarded $2.6 Million Grant from the Economic Development Administration for Transportation Improvements

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Jefferson County will receive a $2.6 million grant funds to construct a reliable transportation route to Endicott Clay, which is one of the county’s largest employers. The project will assist with flood recovery efforts and improve access to Endicott Clay’s plant. Currently, the primary road to Endicott is located in a floodplain, which makes entry to the foundry difficult at times. Jefferson County officials noted that during the past decades, the road has closed due to flooding forcing the plant to halt operations.

Jefferson County officials worked with EDA, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, the Nebraska Department of Transportation, and the Southeast Nebraska Economic Development District to secure disaster recovery funding. After news of the award was released, Commissioner Mark Schoenrock thanked SENDD for their help, noting, “This is a huge step forward for our county and for the entire area.”

Jefferson County, Nebraska is located approximately 70 miles southwest of Lincoln in southeast Nebraska.

9.25.20

Financial Assistance Available for Landlord Relief to Address Losses Incurred by the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected nearly everyone in Nebraska, with lay-offs, furloughs, school closings, and more.  The Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) is teaming with the Southeast Nebraska Affordable Housing Council (SENAHC) to help landlords.

Funding is available through a Community CARES Grant from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that includes $800,000 for direct statewide landlord assistance. SENAHC is working with Nebraska’s eight Economic Development Districts to distribute the financial assistance to qualified landlords.  Eligible landlords are those who have documented financial loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and lease to low-to-moderate income tenants.  Both criteria must be met in order for the landlord to participate.

CARES financial assistance may be allocated to landlords in one of two forms, or in a combination of both.  Regardless, landlords are only eligible for up to $10,000 in the form of a straight grant (no personal cash match or payback is necessary). Landlords may apply for up to $2,500 in direct financial assistance to recoup lost rent or utility payments due to tenant’s inability to provide a full payment after their employment was compromised as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Otherwise, landlords may apply for up to $10,000 for minor rental unit rehabilitation.  If both forms of aid are needed, it is possible to apply for up to $2,500 in direct assistance and request additional funding for minor unit repairs, not to exceed $10,000 total. Funding is available on a per-landlord basis, not per-unit. For example, landlords cannot apply for multiple $10,000 grants to address several units; only one rental unit per landlord can be assisted with this program. A unit is defined as a rental property that is tied to one address.

Tom Bliss, Executive Director from SENDD, is very excited about this unique opportunity: “SENDD knows the pandemic has affected many people and businesses alike. We also know that many landlords are regular people who rely on rent to pay their mortgages, this program will alleviate some of the stress and financial impact.”  

For more information, and to obtain a copy of the program application, please contact John Wiemer, SENDD at 402-475-2560 or by email at jwiemer@sendd.org.

8.26.2020

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $400,000 in CARES Act Funding to Boost SENDD's Response to the Coronavirus Pandemic

Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $1.6 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to four EDA Economic Development District organizations across Nebraska to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic. Ross noted, “I am proud of the perseverance and strength shown by our communities coast to coast throughout this pandemic, and these funds will help provide Nebraska with resources to make a swift and lasting economic comeback.”

The Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) will receive a $400,000 EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by exploring ways to improve broadband access and collaborating with partners to conduct a broadband study; reactivating local economies by building new supply chains; and creating a more self-reliant and robust area economy.

EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance, which is being administered under the authority of the bureau’s flexible Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) (PDF) program, provides a wide-range of financial assistance to eligible communities and regions as they respond to and recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. For complete information, please visit our recently updated EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance page.

2.4.2020

The State of Nebraska Seeks Public Opinion on State Investments and Fair Housing

November 21, 2019 (LINCOLN, NEB.) – The State of Nebraska’s Department of Economic Development (DED) and Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are requesting the public’s participation in the completion of two important online surveys.

DED and DHHS are partnering to prepare the State’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan; 2020 Annual Action Plan; and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. The online surveys — which are anonymous and take less than 10 minutes to complete — will help to inform this process by gathering public opinion about the State’s housing, economic development, community development and public service needs and fair housing concerns. Responses to the survey will guide policy, actions and investments for the next five years.

Please take advantage of this opportunity to take part in this important research effort.  Your experiences and opinions about the needs and fair housing concerns of Nebraskans are valuable. These are critical surveys because their topics affect the lives of everyday Nebraskans. 

Those willing to participate can take one or both surveys. The State needs as many participants as possible in order to gain an accurate picture.

The first survey will determine how federal and state funding should be invested over the next five years to meet the needs of Nebraskans in the best way possible in relation to housing, community/public facilities, economic development, infrastructure and public services. To complete this survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019NebraskaHCDSurvey.

The second survey asks about impediments to fair housing choice because of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability or familial status. The survey will help the State eliminate barriers to fair housing choice. To complete this survey, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2019NebraskaFHSurvey.

We appreciate your assistance in helping to grow Nebraska.

CONTACT

Kate Ellingson at 800-426-6505, 402-471-3749 or kate.ellingson@nebraska.gov

Communications and Legislative Services/DHHS Helpline at 402-471-6035; dhhs.helpline@nebraska.gov 








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