WCNDD Writes Successful RAISE Grant to Benefit Lincoln County
 

Lincoln County was awarded $750,000 after a grant application written by West Central Nebraska Development District (WCNDD) was approved to receive funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant.

The $750,000  will allow Lincoln County to explore the development of an alternate route for freight traffic associated with transload facilities and intermodal connectivity, create active transportation infrastructure, and improve existing infrastructure, including the inland port designation of the Nebraska International Port of the Plains. This project will allow Lincoln County to conduct planning activities including feasibility and engineering studies, environmental work, cost-benefit analysis, and community engagement.

“With this successful grant we were able to execute our agency’s vision, which is to be a respected force in our region and ensure that no community is left behind on receiving state and federal funding opportunities,” said Amber Kuskie, WCNDD executive director. “WCNDD is grateful to Lincoln County and its invested stakeholders for entrusting us with this opportunity.”

The U.S. Department of Transportation received almost $13 billion in requests for the $1.8 billion available for award this year. Only 38 of the 148 grants awarded were rural planning projects. While the City of Beatrice received implementation funds, the WCNDD/Lincoln County project was the only planning grant awarded in Nebraska.

WCNDD remains committed to working closely with local stakeholders, government entities, and community members in the region to provide local economic development solutions. For further information about WCNDD and its initiatives, contact Kuskie at akuskie@west-central-nebraska.com.