Sandhills RC&D Projects

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Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway

The Sandhills RC&D has partnered with Loup Basin and Central Nebraska RC&D's to assist the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway organization with tourism efforts along Nebraska's Highway 2. Deemed one of the ten most scenic roads in the United States, Nebraska's "Sandhills Journey" takes you through some of the most remote and breathtaking country side you will ever see. This 272-mile byway extends between two of the state's "larger communities", the noteworthy city of Grand Island and the bustling railroad town of Alliance. Escape into one of the most unspoiled and beautiful landscapes found anywhere in America - where cattle, fence posts and windmills are the skyline. Cattle and buffalo outnumber people and hunters, fishermen and wildlife enthusiasts are drawn to this pristine area where sports and outdoor recreation abound. The Sandhills Journey is just that - a journey! Be sure to check out the Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway website at http://www.sandhillsjourney.com/.

Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway Photo Contest

The Sandhills Journey Scenic Byway organization is sponsoring a Photo Contest open to all photographers at least 13 years of age. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners in six intrinsic quality sub-categories - Scenic, Natural, Recreational, Cultural, Archeological and Historical - as well as one First Grand Prize and one second Grand Prize winner. Entry deadline is Sept. 24, 2007. To view complete contest rules and to print an entry form visit: www.sandhillsjourney.com

Foundation Center's Database in North Platte Library

Public access to the Foundation Center's FC Search 10.0 database is in the second year of availability located at the technology center at the North Platte Public Library. Thanks in part to a grant funded by the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation based in North Platte; a continuation of the grant searching software is once again offered to the public in western Nebraska. This software is a collection of nearly 80,000 foundations, corporate givers and grant-making public charities across the United States. Just enter the type of grant or scholarship you are looking for and it will bring up all of the matches for those types of giving organizations.

Stapleton, Tryon and Gandy Housing Rehabilitation

With the success of round one of the Mullen, Arthur and Thedford rehabilitation program, the Sandhills RC&D continued with round two and applied for the Nebraska Affordable Housing Program through a grant application submitted to the Department of Economic Development. The Sandhills RC&D has successfully been awarded $200,000 for the rehabilitation of nine owner-occupied houses in the Stapleton, Tryon and Gandy communities. The benefits of this program include the continuation of providing housing rehabilitation funds to eligible homeowners in the Sandhills RC&D region. Given the age of housing in this area of the state and the average family incomes in targeted counties, there is a demand for these funds that far exceeds the amount available.

Proposed Middle Loup Lake Project

The Middle Loup Lake Project seeks to improve economic conditions by utilizing the areas abundant natural resources to create a recreational lake on the Middle Loup River near Mullen, Nebraska. Due to the nature of the areas geology and topography, the lake could support a unique trout fishery, thus creating the opportunity to boost the area economy by being a regional, if not national, recreational destination. Declining area populations as well as the slumping economy would be improved with the development of such a destination.

Rural Economy * Natural Resources * Community Infrastructure * Tourism