Nebraska City discusses funds for salmon farms

By Scout Nelson

A major meeting of the Nebraska City Community Development Agency is scheduled for August 5 at the Rowe Safety Complex. The focus is on a $12 million tax increment financing plan from Goodlife Agriculture, which is intended to help fund a significant $190 million Atlantic salmon farming project. Depending on distribution agreements, this initiative is anticipated to generate between 40 and 52 roles, which is a considerable number of new jobs.

This agricultural initiative is anticipated to boost local property taxes by $480,000 annually post-construction, which is slated for completion by spring 2027. Following this session, the city council will tackle a range of community-oriented agendas.

Key points include updating the ATV license ordinance, introducing new water tap fees, and finalizing the job description for an assistant parks and recreation director. Discussions will also cover adjusting rescue wages and cementing an agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.

Additionally, the parks department is seeking a $30,000 grant to upgrade park trash bins, enhancing waste management with modern two-wheel hydraulic carts. The city also proposes selling a depot to the Nebraska City Area EDC for $32,500, illustrating ongoing efforts to optimize local assets.

Cultural engagement remains a priority, with recent grants aiding part-time staffing across six museums, boosting accessibility for residents. Museum visitation figures underscore the community’s engagement, with significant attendance across various historical sites from Arbor Day through October.

Upcoming community events include the AppleJack Festival, featuring an array of street closures to accommodate a carnival, a craft show, and various food courts, enhancing the festive atmosphere with provisions for outdoor dining and entertainment. These initiatives reflect Nebraska City's commitment to fostering both economic growth and community spirit.

Photo Credit: pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich