The Nebraska Environmental Trust (NET) provides grants through an agreement with project sponsors to facilitate environmental projects within Nebraska. This document outlines the terms of the grant contract between NET and the sponsor, ensuring compliance with the Nebraska Environmental Trust Act, its regulations, and the specific terms of the project agreement. The agreement specifies the responsibilities of both the NET and the sponsor, detailing how the funds will be allocated, administered, and reported upon.

The term of the agreement begins once executed and lasts until the project’s end date, after which all activities must be completed, excluding final reports, administration, and audit tasks. The grant disbursements will only occur during the established grant period and are subject to project performance. No reimbursements are allowed for expenses incurred before the grant period starts. For multi-year projects, continued funding is contingent on the successful performance of previous project phases.

The sponsor is awarded funding to carry out a specific project outlined in the agreement, with a detailed budget. The NET requires adherence to a structured budget and will not reimburse costs that fall outside the outlined categories unless prior amendments are made. Special stipulations apply to administrative expenses, where the total cost for general administration is capped at 5% of the project costs or $10,000, whichever is lower. Administrative expenses include salaries, taxes, and health insurance costs for those involved in grant management and project implementation. Additional requirements for documentation, such as payroll stubs and invoices, must be met for reimbursement.

Matching funds are typically required as a part of the project, and these funds must be expended in alignment with the NET-funded activities. In-kind contributions are not permitted, and certain personnel expenses, such as excess wages or health insurance costs above a limit, are not reimbursable. The grant also disallows reimbursement for unauthorized expenses, such as late fees or promotional materials, and requires specific approvals for purchases of personal property or services above set thresholds.

Throughout the project, sponsors must submit periodic progress reports, including financial and activity reports, as well as a final report at the conclusion of the project. Financial documentation must be retained for three years, and the NET reserves the right to audit the sponsor’s records. Personal property purchased with grant funds must be used for project purposes, and the NET maintains a lien on such property. Real estate acquisitions and easements funded by NET must also comply with the NET’s specific regulations regarding use, sale, or transfer.

The agreement may be terminated if the sponsor fails to meet the terms outlined, with the NET entitled to recover funds or terminate the project early. Both parties have the ability to mutually terminate or amend the agreement, with specific provisions made for project changes or adjustments before the project end date. Compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements, including environmental and employment laws, is mandatory, and any violation may result in penalties or termination of the agreement.