SIDNEY -- The Sidney City Council Tuesday approved committing ACE funds for a proposed dog park.

In his presentation to the city council, Sidney City Manager David Scott said a group of citizens are working with city staff putting together a proposal for a city dog park. As part of the effort to construct a dog park, the group plans to apply for grants as well as organize fund raising efforts. The proposal is for the City to commit $20,000 from the ACE fund. The $20,000 would be used to apply for matching grants.

Scott said the City has $85,000 in the ACE account. The total cost of the project -- labor and materials for site improvements -- is estimated at almost $86,000. If the project is not completed, the $20,000 will be retained by the City.

The ACE fund is dividends returned to the City each year as determined by the board of directors to member communities.

Through the program, the ACE board of directors may vote to return revenue to its member communities. The board approved the distribution at its January board meeting. Since forming in 1998, ACE has returned nearly $4 million to its Nebraska member communities. The funds are used in various ways to benefit each ACE member community, including helping fund community recreational projects, community swimming pools and park improvements. 

ACE was formed more than 25 years ago by Nebraska communities to provide competition in the Nebraska Choice Gas program while retaining local control. It also provides advocacy for Choice Gas customers and strives to keep revenue in Nebraska's ACE membership communities.

The 2024 Nebraska Choice Gas program selection period is April 4 through April 24. During this period, customers can choose a competitive rate and pricing option online at www.ACEenergy.org or by calling ACE at 800-454-4759. Selection forms will be mailed out to all eligible customers prior to the state of the selection period.

Learn more about ACE, its support of Nebraska communities, and its role in the Nebraska Choice Gas program at www.ACEenergy.org.