ACE (Public Alliance for Community Energy), the community-owned natural gas commodity supplier, presented Project of the Year awards to three of its member communities at the NMPP Energy Annual Conference March 19 in Lincoln, Neb.
Through its revenue return program, ACE returns funds to its 75 Nebraska member communities. These funds are used by each community for various community betterment projects. Earlier this year, the ACE Board of Directors approved returning $400,000 to its Nebraska member communities. Since forming in 1998, ACE has returned more than $4 million to its Nebraska member communities.
Communities submitted project nominations and winners were determined through voting on ACE’s Facebook page. The awards were presented in three community population categories. The following projects were awarded a plaque and $200 to be used toward future community betterment projects:
- Village of Hemingford Splash Pad Project (Pop. less than 800) – The Village used its ACE funds to install a splash pad for its community swimming pool. The splash pad is the only one in Box Butte County and took four years of fundraising and grant writing efforts along with ACE funds. The splash pad is a beneficial outdoor recreational resource for the wellbeing of the community that will be enjoyed for many years.
- Bridgeport Veteran’s Memorial Park Project (Pop. 800-2,000) – The City of Bridgeport used its ACE funds to upgrade its Veteran’s Memorial Park, including renovating the park’s swimming pond. Work included dredging the pond to expose clean habitat for fish, adding jetties for fishing and making safety improvements to walkways and roads. Last Memorial Day, the park was dedicated to Morrill County veterans. Future enhancement plans include adding an American with Disabilities Act compliant dock and shelter.
- City of Gothenburg Lake Helen Shelter/Playground Project (Pop. more than 2,000) – The City of Gothenburg took an aging, dilapidated playground with no shade and turned it into a vibrant, multi-faceted recreational space for the community. The playground caters to children of all ages and abilities, enhancing play and social interaction, while the picnic shelter provides a gathering place for celebrations and families. The project was a collaborative effort, and ACE funds were used for the construction of the family shelter and playground. This recreational space is a significant step toward building a healthier, more engaged and interactive community.
Nebraska communities formed ACE to provide competitively priced natural gas while retaining local control and keeping more revenue in Nebraska’s ACE member communities. The 2025 Nebraska Choice Gas program selection period will run from April 3-23.
