Neligh Man Recommended For Economic Development Board

A Neligh man was recommended Monday night to be appointed to help guide the City of Neligh's economic development plan.

Brian Funk of Neligh was unanimously approved by both boards to fill the vacant position created by the resignation of Ryan Koinzan. Pending official appointment by the Neligh City Council, Funk will serve there remained of Koinzan’s terms of Oct. 2016 for the Economic Development Board and Sept. 2018 for the CRA . 

Terry Jensen was also unanimously approved for recommendation for another three-year term on the Economic Development Board. 

Both appointments are on the City Council’s agenda for Tuesday’s meeting. 

Economic Development Director Greg Ptacek told board members that he is working with two new businesses that are considering applying for LB 840 loans. 

Ptacek discussed Neligh’s Downtown Revitalization process. He said although the nine-month clock started Oct. 1 for Phase I, he said work will not begin on the planning state until paperwork from the Nebraska Department of Economic Development is complete.

Ptacek said he hopes to receive that in December or January. ​

Neligh was one of eight Nebraska communities granted Phase I funding to develop a potential revitalization plan for its downtown business community. Should Neligh be selected, about $350,000 would be granted to the community to implement the state-approved plan.