Frequently Asked Questions

The entire project as applied for must follow Davis Bacon ACT (DBA) wages. If there is a significant project activity an applicant does not want DBA to apply to, it should not be included in the application. For instance, if an applicants applies for having windows, signage, and siding work done, and the project costs $75,000, they may consider leaving the windows out, as DBA has a special wage requirement for glaziers that will bring up the cost of the project.

Yes. The latest wage determination sheet (as of the date of these FAQs 7/30/2024) is now available on the Downtown Facade Improvements page. 

Please note, the DOL will update this several times a year, and NENEDD will be sending out the newest rates to the contractors when they are in the process of clearing them to work. Generally, there is no change in rates at all, but there is the possibility. Any changes are not likely to be significant, and the rates available on the city's website should be a very good indicator of what contractors should expect. 

Also available on the Downtown Facade Improvements page:

• Example of glazier wage - Any contractors who are considered glaziers or painters will have to request a wage classification, as Nebraska does not include these professions. If an applicant knows they will be doing windows or hiring a painter, they need to expect that the labor will be significantly higher than what their contractor may normally pay.
• The DBA contractor’s handbook and the addendum

Property owners can apply for as many awards as they like, but the scoring committee is responsible for making the determination as to which projects are funded. The scoring committee could choose to ask the applicant which project is a priority and let them know how many projects will be considered during the first round. If there is money left over after the first round of applicants, a second round may open up when the first round projects are nearing completion.

This could be decided at the local level. In this case, the Design Review Committee would decide on they would want the issue addressed. This decision would be considered precedent for similar situations.

At this time, (7/31/2024) the Design Review Committee has not yet met. 

The September 1 application deadline allows time for: 

• NENEDD to review the applications
• Follow up with applicants on any missing information
• State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) review (if applicable)
• Applications to be reviewed and scored by the Design Review Committee
• Applications to be presented to City Council
• NENEDD to draft/mail  "Notice to Proceed" letters 

It is estimated that applications will not be considered by City Council until roughly February. Notice of Proceed letters will be mailed out shortly thereafter and should allow enough seasonably appropriate weather to complete projects. 

The timeline is determined by the City of Fremont. The City will work with applicants experiencing reasonable time delays and does anticipate being flexible with this timeline. 

Yes, it should state 75%. 

NENEDD has reached out to the Nebraska Department of Economic Development to see if this can be modified.

Yes, this is a typo and should read 75%. 

We are allowed to revise the application and this correction has been made and the updated form included on the website.

For example, is "red brick" sufficient or does a specific color and manufacturer need to be listed?

The more information the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has on materials, the quicker they are generally able to review a project.

NENEDD suggests applicants attach: 

• The entire bid
• Rendering(s)
• List of materials (applicants can request the contract supply this) 

The intent of the DTR program is to improve building facades. 

Unless the skylight is extremely visible from the front of the building, the Design Review Committee will not approve it. 

In addition, the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) would likely have concerns about changing the façade of the building with a skylight.

That is not allowed, unless the building is located in such a way that the side of the building is not blocked by another building and is facing a street that is covered by the DTR boundaries. Generally, that would be a corner building.

It is up to the building owner whether they want to apply for a DTR award or if they allow their tenants to do so. Each business could apply for funds, but any tenant business must have the approval of the building owner.

In a project meant to connect/streamline the look of multiple addresses, NENEDD suggests the owner apply for three DTR awards. 

Each business would need a separate application, address specific.

It depends on how long it takes to obtain a permit and how long the scoring committee anticipates taking to approve applications. 

If there is a cost associated with the permits, it may be wise for applicants to wait until they find out if they’ve been awarded.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has specifically said that planter boxes are not eligible projects. This includes brick planter boxes that are part of a building.

The SAM registration does not necessarily have to have the business owner’s address be the same as the business address. In situations where applicants are applying for funding for different businesses, each business will need to have a SAM registration. 

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has provided the following graphic summary:

No, roofs are not covered under this program.