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.