LINCOLN, Neb. — The Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) will begin accepting applications for the Revitalize Rural Nebraska Grant Program on Jan. 15, 2024, with the application period closing Feb. 29, 2024.

The Revitalize Rural Nebraska Grant program was established by the Nebraska Legislature during the 2023 session. Cities of the first and second class and villages may apply. Eligible projects will result in the demolition of a dilapidated commercial property located within the corporate limits of a city of the first or second class or a village. Priority for funding will be given to applications received from villages and cities of the second class.

Project requirements include:

· A local match contribution per statute.
· A property that has been abandoned or vacant for at least six months.
· A property that is owned by the city or village, or is completing the process described in Nebraska Revised Statute 18-1722.
· A property that is not on, nor eligible to be listed on, the National Register of Historic Places.

Per the needed application deadline, it is recommended that the History Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) be contacted as the first step in the application process (https://history.nebraska.gov/historic-preservation/review-and-compliance-section-106/). Eligible entities must submit applications using a two-page form available at NDEE’s website: https://dee.nebraska.gov/forms/publications-grants-forms/23-024.

NDEE will assess applications for eligibility and competitive ranking. Prospective grantees may submit multiple applications, one for each dilapidated commercial property proposed for demolition. However, competitive ranking preference will be given to the first application submitted by a municipality. If funding remains, second applications will be ranked and considered.

All applications must be submitted by Feb. 29, 2024. For more information, please visit https://dee.nebraska.gov/resources-services/laws-regulations/rules-and-regulations. Questions can be directed to ndee.srf@nebraska.gov.