LINCOLN, Neb. – 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 18 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 $4.7 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:
Town of Blue Hill Historical Mural Project (Pop. less than 1,000) – The Town used its ACE funds to collaborate with the Blue Hill Community Foundation to create a historical mural on the exterior wall of the downtown Community Senior Center. The City paved the adjoining lot to provide additional parking and space for community activities. Lighting was installed to illuminate the mural and parking area, making the space safe and functional for evening events. The goal of the project was to revitalize and beautify the downtown district to help attract new businesses. The mural highlights significant moments in the Town’s history in an engaging and educational format. The outdoor space will be used for various community events and will serve as a community asset for years to come.
City of Terrytown Hascall Park Beautification Project (Pop. 1,000-2,000) – The City of Terrytown used its ACE funds for a mural project at Hascall Park. The Murals adorn the restrooms at the Park and depict several vibrant scenes to highlight the community on multiple sides of the facility. The murals include community activities and beloved historical community landmarks. The project highlights the effort and pride that City employees have in making Terrytown’s parks pleasing to residents.
City of Gothenburg Pony Express Sculpture Project (Pop. more than 2,000) – The City of Gothenburg used its ACE funds to support bringing a life-sized bronze sculpture of the Pony Express to its Pony Express Station in the City’s Central Park. The project included fund raising and commissioning an artist to design and build the sculpture. ACE funds were combined with funds from local donors, city funds, and visitor’s tax funds to complete the project. The sculpture is located next to the Ehman Park Pony Express Station, where more than 25,000 visitors explore the station and museum each year.
Nebraska communities formed ACE to provide competitively priced natural gas while retaining local control and keeping more revenue in Nebraska’s ACE member communities. The 2026 Nebraska Choice Gas program selection period will run from April 2-22.