Grant requirements for historic building demolition updated

A bill intended to preserve Nebraska’s historic buildings without hindering economic development received final approval from lawmakers April 9.

LB883, sponsored by Omaha Sen. Bob Andersen, allows the state Department of Economic Development to provide grants to assist in the demolition of historic buildings or districts under the Civic and Community Center Financing Act.

Grant applications must include documentation showing that the applicant and the State Historic Preservation Officer have agreed to preservation-based mitigation strategies.

LB883 also updates requirements for demolition grants awarded to first and second class cities or villages under the Revitalize Rural Nebraska Grant Program, which is administered by the state Department of Water, Energy and Environment.

If the State Historic Preservation Officer has determined that a property to be demolished is listed or eligible to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places, an applicant must demonstrate that:
• the property has been deemed a substandard and abandoned commercial property by a certified building professional with the approval of the State Historic Preservation Officer; or
• the city or village and the State Historic Preservation Officer have agreed to preservation-based mitigation strategies.

Finally, LB883 requires that the rural grant program’s fund be used to pay the costs incurred by the State Historic Preservation Officer in carrying out his or her duties under the new requirements.

Senators voted 47-0 to pass the bill.