Former Ewing elementary building to remain standing, for now

After an approximate 30-minute executive session with legal counsel, Village of Ewing officials announced, July 10, they would not be applying for a Rural Community Recovery Program grant for potential demolition of the former Ewing elementary school.

RCRP funds may be used for rehabilitation or reuse projects and is "designed to address vacant, abandoned or deteriorated properties," according to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.

The DED website lists eight criteria for use of the program in disproportionately-impacted rural counties, including, but not limited to costs associated with aquiring legal title of vacant properties; removal and remediation of environmental contaminants; demolition or deconstruction of vacant or abandoned buildings; greening or cleanup of vacant lots; installation of neighborhood features, such as green spaces, sidewalks, parks; and converson of properties to affordable housing.