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County approves $50,000 capital improvement grant to finish Japanese Hall history project at Legacy of the Plains
Summary
The board approved a $50,000 county capital-improvement grant to help complete the final phase of the Japanese Hall exhibit and lower-level improvements at Legacy of the Plains after presenters said bids and fire-code and ADA requirements increased costs.
Scotts Bluff County commissioners approved a $50,000 capital improvement grant to help Legacy of the Plains complete the final phase of its Japanese Hall history project, citing bid increases and state shovel‑ready grant timing that threatened final completion.
Why it matters: County funds will close a shortfall identified by museum staff and volunteers so the project—which county staff described as shovel-ready through the Nebraska Department of Economic Development—can finish construction and meet state grant conditions.
What presenters said
Vicky Sakurada Shepler, identified herself and described delays and cost increases: “When we put out bids for that final phase of the building project, we were way over budget by almost $122,000,” she said, and described losing vendors during the COVID period and having to meet State Fire Marshal and ADA exit requirements. Dave Wolf, director of Legacy of the Plains, said the lower-level addition will include a veterans section and a searchable database for researchers.
The tourism advisory board recommended the county provide $50,000 so the project—part of several phased capital projects the county has supported—could be completed and the state shovel-ready grant could be fully drawn down.
Vote and outcome
A motion to award the $50,000 grant passed with all five commissioners voting yes (recorded as "You have 5 yeses" on the meeting record).
Community context and next steps
Officials said the addition will broaden the museum’s ability to tell local Japanese-American history, support research and draw tourism; presenters cited the museum’s recent statewide PBS exposure and international visitors as evidence of demand. County staff and the museum will coordinate next steps for contracting and grant compliance.
Quote
"When we put out bids for that final phase of the building project, we were way over budget by almost $122,000," Vicky Sakurada Shepler said.
Ending
Commissioners approved the grant and asked staff to coordinate contract/bid steps so Legacy of the Plains can complete the project and claim remaining shovel-ready funds.
