HASTINGS, Neb. – The city of Hastings is in rare company, as it received three Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) worth over $1 million, which is uncommon according to state officials. 

Working with the Holdrege-based South Central Economic Development District, the City of Hastings applied for and was awarded $1.25 million for three CDBG projects within the Downtown Revitalization and Public Works categories.

–– $435,000 Downtown Revitalization to make improvements within the Business Improvement District. These funds are in addition private investments in development projects. Businesses interested in receiving funds would have to go through an application process.

–– $480,000 CDBG Public Works Program to renovate the Revive Ministries facilities in the former Motel 6 hotel at 2205 Osborne Dr. East, where Revive will provide outpatient substance abuse health care.

–– $335,900 CDBG Public Works Program for public water line delivery improvements to provide fire protection for the K&K Manufactured Home Community at 1203 E. Park St.

This is the fifth Downtown Revitalization grant Hastings has received.

Hastings received 10.25% of the state's CDBG award money this year, as only $10 million was given out to all applicants across the state.

SCEDD Community Consultant Lori Ferguson says earning three CDBG grants in a calendar year is rare.

“To get three in one application cycle, if it’s not (a record) it should be,” Ferguson said. “That’s $1.25 million being invested into your community by the Community Development Block Grant program.”

The grants require a 30% match from recipients. In this case, the Community Redevelopment Authority will provide the match for the Downtown Revitalization grant.

The property owners will provide the match for other the two grants.