NEBRASKA CITY – Dan Mauk of the The Nebraska City Economic Growth Fund gave a biannual report to city commissioners Monday highlighting recent grants and forgivable loans.

The fund provides grants for the downtown hanging baskets and bump-out flowers, as well as free pass for residents to attend local museums.

A forgivable loan was approved for the new daycare facility Knapp Time and a grant of $50,000 was approved this summer for Hypercolor’s filming of the “Snack Shack.”

A 2022 loan was also made for Nebraska Vegetable & Protein, which may qualify for loan forgiveness for every $50,000 in payroll.

Loans that have recently been completely repaid were to The Keeping Room, A1 Locksmith and Little Ted’s.

Mauk said a future grant to be considered is for the flower basket program through 2024.

The growth fund has $693,000 in loans outstanding and $286,000 available. Over $200,000 has been contributed to the program sales tax in recent years, including a high of $280,000 in 2021.