Deconstruction Grants Program

The Deconstruction Grants Program, established by LB 180 in 2009, aims to support the deconstruction of abandoned buildings in Nebraska. This initiative encourages the recycling and reuse of building materials, helping to minimize waste. Eligible applicants include cities and counties with populations of 5,000 or less. Key requirements include obtaining bids for demolition and deconstruction, providing material inventories, and ensuring compliance with local historic preservation regulations.

The Deconstruction Grants Program was created by LB 180, passed in 2009. Through this bill, the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act was expanded to include grants for the reimbursement of costs for the deconstruction of abandoned buildings, and to encourage the recycling or reuse of the building’s materials.

Eligibility

Who’s EligibleCities of the first class, cities of the second class, villages and counties of 5,000 or less population.Additional Information that should be providedCertification in writing from the Nebraska State Historic Preservation Office (NeSHPO) that the building is not in, or eligible to be in, the National Register of Historic Places. One bid for the cost of normal demolition, including disposal costs. Two bids for the cost of deconstruction that includes an estimate of the percentage of the building that will be reused in its present form and the percentage of the building that will be recycled. An architect, engineer, or contractor must provide this percentage. If acting as your own contractor, identify the project manager and provide experience in deconstruction and/or demolition. The square footage of the building must be indicated.An inventory of the estimated materials to be recovered through the deconstruction (e.g. number of windows, doors, linear feet of lumber, metal, shingles, concrete). A list of the markets for the items on the inventory. Include the name, address and phone number of the identified markets.Photographs of the inside and outside of the property before deconstruction. A photograph of the cleared property will be required when the project is completed.NOTE: If successful in receiving a deconstruction grant, an asbestos survey will be required.