Seward Wellness Center Executive Director Joel Brase announced April 2 that the wellness center was approved for a $562,000 grant from the Civic and Community Center Financing Fund, administered by the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
The city qualified for the grant because of its recent designation as a Certified Creative District through the Nebraska Arts Council.
The funds will be given in two disbursements, some up front and the rest upon completion of the project.
“We will not have to borrow on that construction loan, on that first draw, as early as we first thought,” Brase said, which will ultimately save the city money on interest.
Brase said work continues on the exterior of the building, and the pool will be dug out over two weeks beginning April 22.
Concrete for the parking lot will be poured beginning April 15.
Brase said the bid for paving Eaton Drummer Boulevard came in well under budget – at about one-third of the expected cost – which will save on project costs as well.
