OMAHA — Three Omaha-area building projects that already received $3.86 million apiece in state “shovel-ready” grants are to receive another boost of about $2 million each under a plan announced Wednesday by Gov. Jim Pillen and Mayor Jean Stothert.
Two of the projects are related to fine arts: The Omaha Performing Arts will use its funds on construction of the new downtown Tenaska Center for Arts Engagement, which is set to open in 2026. And the Joslyn Art Museum is expanding its downtown exhibition space.
The third awardee, the Elkhorn Athletic Association, is to use its additional funding to add four more baseball and softball diamonds at its outdoor sports complex near Valley.
Pandemic funding
The financial assistance comes from the state’s Shovel-Ready Capital Recovery & Investment Act program, which was made possible mostly through federal American Rescue Plan Act funding and intended to help nonprofits finish capital projects negatively affected by the pandemic.
Each of the three groups initially received $3.86 million of the total $115 million apportioned by congressional district in the first shovel-ready funding round in June 2022.
A reallocation of unspent program funds led to the new wave that increased each of the group’s total public grant to $6.31 million, according to the Nebraska Governor’s Office. Nonprofits were required to have raised private funds to match the grant request, dollar for dollar.
The shovel-ready program is administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
“Omaha has developed a national reputation as a go-to destination for young professionals, businesses and tourists,” said Pillen. “These investments will move forward three major projects in metro Omaha. Their completion will further enhance the city’s fine arts and performing arts, while expanding a world-class sports complex in the area.”
Momentum
Stothert said it was exciting to see momentum continue in Omaha.
“Omaha has a wealth of amazing venues for athletics, concerts and art exhibits,” she said.
Omaha Performing Arts president Joan Squires said the award and the new arts center support O-pa’s mission of performing arts education and engagement.
Joslyn broke ground on its expansion in mid-2021, and the museum is set to reopen Sept. 10. General admission is to remain free to the public.
“Shovel-ready funding has played an important part in advancing this project, allowing us to connect more people with art, now and for generations to come,” said Jack Becker, Joslyn’s executive director and CEO.
The Elkhorn Athletic Association currently serves 8,200 athletes in 10 sports, the news release said. Its First Interstate Bank SportsPlex, located on a 260-acre site in Valley, houses six soccer pitches, four baseball/softball diamonds, a barrier-free field and parking for 1,500 cars.
“This crucial support brings us one step closer to completing a complex that will empower our youth, strengthen our community and enhance our city’s reputation statewide,” EEA board chair Bruce O’Neel said of the Valley facility.
The DED in October 2023 announced a separate wave of $70 million of state shovel-ready awards to 17 recipients.
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