Central Nebraska projects big winners for “shovel-ready” construction

The Hastings YMCA got the largest grant among projects awarded money for "shovel-ready" improvements.(Hailey Mach, KSNB)
Published: Jun. 24, 2022 at 4:48 PM CDT

LINCOLN, Neb. (KSNB) - Six Central Nebraska non-profits are getting millions of dollars for so-called “shovel-ready” improvement projects.

In a press release Friday, the state Department of Economic Development announced a total of $115 million dollars in grants under a bill passed last year in the Legislature. The Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery and Investment Act authorizes use of $100 million in federal ARPA funds and $15 million from the state’s general fund.

The largest grant goes to the Hastings YMCA which is getting $5 million for its capital campaign, the Kearney Family YMCA is getting $4,532,500 for its expansion project, the Rowe Sanctuary in Gibbon is getting $3.95 million for its Nature Center Construction project, Yanney Heritage Park is getting $4,287,500 for the Gardens at Yanney Park project, $3 million for the Merrick County Historical Society in Central City for its museum building and the Willa Cather Foundation in Red Cloud is getting $2,335, 600 for the Potter Block Development.

Other grants to Central Nebraska non-profits include:

  • The Wood River Nature Conservancy for the Platte River Prairie Preserve’s Workshop--$672,000
  • Lexington Community Foundation for the Veteran Pavilion project--$400,000
  • Platte River Crane Trust near Wood River for capital projects--$350,000
  • Hastings College for football/soccer renovation at the Osborne Sports Complex Stadium--$283, 200
  • Hastings Listening Room for the Lark Second Floor--$205,000
  • Grand Island YMCA parking lot/locker room renovation--$200,000
  • Renovation for the Hastings Prairie Loft Workshop--$198,000
  • Phase 2 of the Buffalo County Historical Society family History center in Kearney--$174,000
  • Minden Harold Warp Pioneer Village Foundation--$157,900
  • The Grand Island Tri-Cities Sports Complex--$115,835
  • Restoration and expansion at the Kearney Museum of Nebraska Art--$115,835
  • Kearney Area Children’s Museum--$100,000
  • Kearney County Community Foundation for repairs to the Minden Opera House--$67,000

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