Farnam picks up state economic development award

Regional News

Governor Dave Heineman on Thursday emphasized the benefits of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program with Nebraska's many community and economic development projects. Heineman took part in activities at the State Capitol as part of National Community Development Week, saying that for more than 30 years, the CDBG program has been extremely important for Nebraska, impacting nearly every county and community. The Governor also presented several awards for outstanding efforts by communities in the areas of economic development and community revitalization: The 2009 Governor's Showcase Community Award went to the Village of Farnam (pop. 227) in Dawson County. Outstanding CDBG-funded projects during the past ten years include a building rehabilitated into a business incubator for three start-up enterprises; a new fire truck; and 19 owner-occupied homes rehabilitated with insulation, siding heating and other upgrades. The Community Development Assistance Act administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, provided tax credits to local and area businesses contributing to revitalization projects in downtown Farnam. Dawson County lodging tax proceeds have helped advertise two major community events-the Founders' Days Celebration in the summer and Community Carnival in February. Other state and private foundation grants have helped cover expenses involved with moving a building and subsequently expanding and renovating it to become the community's new handicapped accessible library, offset street repair and upkeep expenses, and financed new playground equipment and a new pumper fire truck. In 2008, Farnam earned six Nebraska Community Improvement Program awards for a variety of projects.