NORFOLK, Neb. -- The city of Norfolk recently received $435,000 from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to help with downtown revitalization. 

After a number of stakeholder meetings, surveys, and thoughts of downtown business and property owners as to what needed in the area, the city submitted a detailed application to the state. 

Economic Development Director Candice Alder said two main goals of the funds will be to make the mid-block crossings in the downtown district ADA accessible and to refund the Façade Improvement Program. 

"It allows for them to improve the exteriors of their buildings, whether that be new awnings, a new sign, windows or doors, those types of improvements. And then that funding is forgiven over a series of five years," Alder said.

The program offers a one-to-one match for applicants of the program with applications for funds being released in Spring of 2024.  

Alder said downtown revitalization has proved itself successful as Norfolk was chosen previously in 2017.

"We paired façade improvements with the creation of the creation of the River Pointe Square and so it's just an incredible tool, we're excited to be granted it again and we're just excited to move forward," said Alder.

The mid-block crossings project will utilize $90,000 in funds, with $310,000 going towards the Façade Improvement Program.  

Alder said the city is excited to work alongside district business and property owners to see improvements throughout the downtown area.