The City of Norfolk was recently awarded over $1,500,000 in grant funding to assist with economic recovery. The Nebraska Department of Economic Development awarded $10,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to 14 economic recovery projects within Qualified Census Tracts (QCTs) in Greater Nebraska. The QCT Recovery Grant Program – Greater Nebraska was created under LB 1024, also known as the Economic Recovery Act, to respond to the negative economic impacts of the coronavirus public health emergency.
The City’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan received $81,500.00 for its Planning Project application which the City will match $9,062.00.
“We are very excited to be awarded a grant to help fund 90% of the costs associated with developing a Parks and Recreation Master Plan,” said Nathan Powell, Parks and Recreation Director. “The Parks and Recreation division is seeking to start the Master Plan process to help develop a road map for the next 10 years. The information we gather from the public will be statistically valid and give direction to City staff and elected officials and help us make decisions based on community needs,” Powell added. “This plan will include a community profile and needs assessment, parks and facilities inventory assessment, and a strategic action plan.”
The City was also awarded QCT Infrastructure funds in the amount of $1,500,000.00 for the replacement of the old grit removal system and building, along with upgrading the lift pumping system and upgrading the overland receiving station at the Norfolk Water Pollution Control Plant (WPC). This project will allow for better treatment and higher flow of wastewater through the plant.
The WPC grit removal system is 50 years old and limits the treatment capacity of the plant to approximately 5.5 million gallons per day. This necessary and critical upgrading will replace the current grit removal system with a modern headwork system which will double the FIRM capacity of the wastewater plant.
“Our team was glad to assist with these grant applications as both projects will facilitate economic growth opportunities within our community. A well-designed and developed park system can attract new residents and visitors. Visitors, who are known to spend money in the lodging, restaurant, retail, and entertainment sectors, can help strengthen local businesses and provide new sales tax revenue,” said Candice Alder, Economic Development Director. “Additionally, the critical upgrade to the current grit removal system will double the capacity of the wastewater plant, positioning us to take on new capacities as opportunities arise. We are thankful for the State’s grant award and look forward to continued collaboration with the team here at the City of Norfolk,” Alder added.
The City of Norfolk would also like to congratulate the Salvation Army of Norfolk as a grant recipient of $1,000,000.00.
“I’m proud of our staff and economic development team for working so quickly and skillfully to identify available support funds for these projects and successfully obtain them. This supplemental assistance will help us complete important infrastructure projects, make plans for parks upgrades, and assist the Salvation Army in expanding its critical services to help Norfolkans in need,” said Mayor Josh Moenning.