Award of $37,500 From Nebraska Environmental Trust to Fund Planning of Solar Energy Project in South Omaha

Eager to create new opportunities for South Omaha, Midlands Latino Community Development Corporation (MLCDC; www.midlandslatinocdc.org)  and a group of business owners and other professionals came together to establish the Community Investment Opportunities (CIO), a model for responsive integrated human capital and asset development.

In 2015, CIO purchased a property of 246,740 square feet, located at 5025 South 33rd Street. After renovations, the building will provide new area opportunities for the public such as: commercial kitchen, Global Market, manufacturing, warehouses, recreational activities, and an educational site.

Solar energy and other sustainable technologies are part of the educational projects that CIO plans to implement.  Michael Shonka, owner of Solar Heat & Electric, Inc. and Nebraskans for Solar will support with the planning of the solar energy project.  A grant of $37,500 from Nebraska Environmental Trust will cover 28 percent of the total cost of the planning of the project. The planning phase includes engineering and structural studies regarding the construction of a solar panel array on the flat roof of this building.

Implementation of this project will start in April 2016. Visit www.midlandslatinocdc.org and http://ciopportunities.com/ for more information and updates. You can also contact MLCDC at (402) 933-4466 or mlondono@midlandslatinocdc.org.