(KLZA)--The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has awarded $8.3 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to twenty-three projects in eighteen communities—including Falls City and Pawnee City.

Falls City will receive a $458,000 grant for a municipal sanitary sewer improvement project, while Pawnee City will receive a $480,000 grant for a street improvement project and to address drainage issues.

The CDBG program provides funds to help communities tackle projects that enhance public health and safety, economic well-being, local vitality, and quality of life.

The program is federally funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.