Beatrice scores another round of downtown revitalization support

BEATRICE – Beatrice will be getting another round of funding to go toward downtown redevelopment.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development says a grant of $435,500 is being awarded for a revitalization program.  "The money will be used for commercial rehabilitation of buildings, including code compliance repairs, any updates and upgrades to the facades and any other structural components that might need some attention."

The City of Beatrice received 57 pre-applications for loan support, requesting nearly $5 million. Mayor Stan Wirth said private building owners contribute a share of funding to their individual upgrades. The City of Beatrice was the applicant, and the city must match 25-percent of the grant total, in what is a forgivable loan.

A recent similar grant allowed for various facade improvements and sidewalk upgrades in the downtown area.

Projects must be completed before April 25th, of 2024. The next step is to put together a downtown revitalization committee that would review applications and make project recommendations for action by the city council. The city would then contact applicants whose projects are approved.