Six Regions, One Nebraska Initiative Awards Southeast Nebraska $200,000

Southeast Nebraska’s water and wastewater infrastructure will be one of the beneficiaries of the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative.On Friday, December 20, Governor Jim Pillen announced awards for projects in three of the six districts. The announcement took place in Lincoln at the offices of Southeast Nebraska Development District, one of three organizations receiving funds. A total of $600,000 was awarded, $200,000 going to each district; Southeast, Metro, and Northeast.The Southeast Nebraska Development District (SENDD) chose to focus on water and wastewater infrastructure needs throughout the region.“Water is vitally important to our region’s economic wellbeing, both to support agricultural production and manufacturing” said Jonathan Jank of Seward County, co-chair of the Southeast region. “Leaders in southeast Nebraska, rural and urban, expressed interest in evaluating our infrastructure to ensure the long-term sustainability of our water resources.”Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Schoenrock serves on the task force. He reacted to the announcement via email, “Glad that our work over the last seven months is yielding fruit!” As for the other regions, the Central Nebraska Economic Development District will use the funds to consolidate housing studies and available programs into a bilingual website for potential developers and community officials. The site will highlight innovative construction methods and include best practices for reducing code/zoning barriers. The project will support creation of workforce housing and affordable homes for young families.“It’s been remarkable to see leaders from across Northeast Nebraska come together and respond to challenges that affect us as a region,” said Josh Moenning of Norfolk, co-chair of the Northeast region. “Developing affordable housing is at the top of our list of priorities. We’re grateful to the state for funding our region’s housing analysis project.” The Metro region also identified housing as a top priority, backing a funding request from Spark, an Omaha-based nonprofit.“We’ve successfully empowered aspiring developers in Omaha with the practical experience needed to create affordable housing in their neighborhoods,” said Buey Ray Tut, chief executive of Spark. “We’re excited to replicate this localized approach to housing development in communities throughout the Metro region.”“To succeed in growing the state, we have to think beyond the welfare of our hometown,” said Governor Pillen. “I appreciate the many leaders who’ve committed to the 6 Regions, One Nebraska initiative. The awards announced today are investments into collaborative projects that will benefit entire regions.”The governor was joined at the press conference by K.C. Belitz, Director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED); Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Bryan Slone; regional navigators and co-chairs; community college leaders; and awarded project applicants.“It’s been tremendous to see the energy and engagement of leaders who’ve taken responsibility to move their regions forward,“ said DED Director Belitz. “6 Regions, One Nebraska has been marked by strong partnership. There’s clearly a joint commitment to make a lasting impact on our communities through this initiative.”Launched in 2024, 6 Regions, One Nebraska is intended to encourage cooperation, rather than competition, among neighboring communities. Each region had two formal gatherings this year, along with numerous virtual work sessions. At the first meeting, leaders reviewed economic and demographic data specific to their community college district. Participants decided on priority areas to serve as a starting point for collaborative action. Subsequently, working groups identified potential solutions to address needs and developed one project for which to seek state-administered American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.At the second meeting, participants heard reports from each action team and discussed steps to move forward with a funding application. Each region successfully supported one application for an award of $200,000. State leaders have engaged philanthropic organizations to raise additional funds to support the awarded projects.

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