Crawford Community Guide - Nebraska Public Power District

Crawford
N E B R A S K A
COMMUNITY
GUIDE
crawfordnebraska.net
2
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
The Table of Contents and section headings are hot linked within this
Community Guide. Clicking on the section headings will return you to the
Table of Contents.
ABOUT
The following pages contain
basic information about Crawford,
Nebraska. This information was
compiled by the city of Crawford,
Crawford Public Schools,
Nebraska Northwest Development
Corporation, and Nebraska Public
Power District in order to promote
community development and
quality of life.
Crawford
N E B R A S K A
Crawford is located in the scenic Pine Ridge escarpment in Northwest
Nebraska. It is home of Fort Robinson State Park, one of the most
significant military forts of the mid‑1800’s. Surrounded by the Red
Cloud Buttes and Crow Butte, the stunning scenery and rough
landscape make the area a vacation destination. Agriculture is the
Contacts
primary industry and adds the cowboy flavor to the rustic downtown
Deb Cottier, Executive Director
Nebraska Northwest Development Corporation
Chadron, Nebraska 69337
Office: (308) 432-4023
Cell: (308) 430-5959
Email: dcottier@gpcom.net
nndc.chadron-nebraska.com
appearance.
2013 U.S. Census Population
Crawford
Jane Dailey, Clerk
City of Crawford
Crawford, Nebraska 69339
Office: (308) 665-1300
Email: cityclerk@bbc.net
crawfordnebraska.net
Dave Nixon, Mayor
City of Crawford
Crawford, Nebraska 69339
Office: (308) 665-1300
Email: mayor@bbc.net
crawfordnebraska.net
Samantha Dyer, President
Chamber of Commerce
Crawford, Nebraska 69339
Office: (866) 665-1817
crawfordnebraska.us
Rick J. Nelsen, CEcD
Economic Development Manager
Nebraska Public Power District
Columbus, Nebraska 68602-0499
Office: (402) 563-5534
Cell: (308) 627-6746
Email: rjnelse@nppd.com
econdev.nppd.com
985
Dawes County
9,088
Table of Contents
3Geography
19
4Economic
Development
20Education
8Labor
30Community
Services
10
Market Access
12Infrastructure
16Communications
17
Tax Structure
22
32
Local Government
Quality of Life
Agriculture & Raw
Materials
34Climate
C R AW F O R D
●
N E B R A S K A
Geography
Location
Crawford is located in western
Dawes County, 60 miles from the
Wyoming border and 20 miles from the
South Dakota border. U.S. Highway 20
and Nebraska Highways 2 and 71
intersect in Crawford. The community
of Crawford is 75 miles north of
Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and 285 miles
northeast of Denver, Colorado.
North
Elevation
Crawford is 3,675 feet above sea level.
WYOMING
SOUTH DAKOTA
IOWA
CRAWFORD
MISSOURI
COLORADO
KANSAS
3
4
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Economic Development
Firms with retail sales tax permits in Crawford reported
2013 net taxable retail sales of $7,575,295, while
Dawes County reported retail sales of $88,489,176.
Economic Development Organizations
Nebraska Northwest Development Corporation
(NNDC) is a private, not for profit corporation funded by
memberships from the cities of Crawford and Chadron,
Dawes County, and business and government
memberships. NNDC provides business assistance
through consulting, expansion and retention activities,
and a revolving loan fund. They also provide advocacy
on issues, grant writing, administration, and act as
a point of contact for any business looking to locate
or expand in the county. The organization is funded
by 50 business members, the cities of Crawford and
Chadron, and Dawes County.
Approximately 24 acres in and adjacent to Crawford
are zoned for industry.
Crawford’s Top Ten
Nonmanufacturing Employers
Employees
Dawes County............................................58
Government
Crow Butte Resources..............................50
Uranium development
Ponderosa Villa..........................................49
Nursing home
Crawford Public Schools..........................48
Education
BNSF Railway Company...........................45
Transportation
Crawford Livestock Market......................40
Livestock sales
Fort Robinson State Park........................ 20*
Recreation
WESTCO.....................................................11
Bulk fuel, convenience store
City of Crawford.........................................10
Government
D & S Market................................................8
Grocery
*plus 100 seasonal employees
Crow Butte Resources Staff
D & S Market
C R AW F O R D
Bighorn Auto Supply
Charlie’s Garage
Crawford Pharmacy
●
N E B R A S K A
5
CENEX C‑Store
Crawford Companion Animal Clinic & Pet Spaw
Dairy Sweet
6
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Dakota Ridge
Herren Brothers True Value
Horizon West Dental
MJ’s Ranch House
Heritage Seed Co.
Hilltop Motel
Kountry Loft Antiques
NUPAC Construction
C R AW F O R D
Perennial Haus Art & Espresso
Pine Needle Quilts
Southside Cottage & RV Park
Staab’s Drive Inn
●
N E B R A S K A
Phillips Mini Storage
Rhonda’s New Waves
Spiffy Car Wash
Tommy’s Car Lot
7
8
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Labor
Nonfarm Wage & Salary Employment,
Dawes County,
2013 Annual Average
Professional &
Business Services
2.8%
Other Services
1.6%
Information
1.5%
Financial Activities
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Annual Average 2013
Dawes County
4.0%
Nebraska
3.9%
United States
7.4%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Goods Producing
6.2%
2006-2011 Percent Change
Value Added Per Dollar
Manufacturing Production Worker
Wages Nebraska, Surrounding
States & U.S.
Total Government
34.2%
Leisure & Hospitality
13.2%
25.0
20.8%
20.0
Education & Health
Services
14.5%
Trade, Transportation,
15.0
Warehouse & Utilities
22.6%
11.7%
10.0
Source: Nebraska Department of Labor
5.0
0.0
Dawes County Labor Supply
Annual Average 2013
Dawes &
Contiguous
Counties*
10.2%
U.S.
Surrounding
States
Nebraska
Surrounding states include data for states contiguous
to Nebraska as a group, including Colorado, Iowa,
Kansas, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
Dawes
County
Non-farm wage and
salary workers.....................
9,246
3,353
Total employment................
14,033
4,861
Labor force population........
14,613
5,065
ADDITIONAL POTENTIAL LABOR SUPPLY
County high school graduates
annually..................................................
59
Commuting out of county (2011)..............
1,061
Unemployed...........................................
204
Total.......................................................
1,324
NOTE: Does not include estimated number of homemakers, seasonal &
part-time workers, and workers who would shift from low‑paying
jobs who could be expected to work for industry.
*Contiguous counties include Box Butte, Sheridan, and Sioux Counties
in Nebraska.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, www.census.gov
Unionization
Nebraska has a right to work provision in its
constitution. In 2012, 6.0 percent of Nebraska’s wage
and salary workers were members of labor unions
compared to a national figure of 11.3 percent.
Local Labor Unions
BNSF Railway Company Standard Railroad Unions
Crawford Public Schools Nebraska State Education Association
Fringe Benefits
Local industries estimate fringe benefits to range from
25 to 45 percent of wages.
C R AW F O R D
●
N E B R A S K A
9
Average Hourly Earnings for Production Workers, 2012
U.S. Average
NEBRASKA
California
Colorado
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
$16.64
$19.08
$20.20
$25.13
$19.17
$18.50
$17.41
$18.46
$20.71
$19.19
$18.05
$18.26
$18.05
0
$5
$15
$10
$20
$25
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov)
Average Annual Unemployment Insurance
Contribution Per Covered Employee, 2012
U.S. Average
NEBRASKA
California
Colorado
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
$405
$335
$490
$531
$487
$326
$581
$302
$0
Source:
$417
$227
$100
$200
$300
$676
$583
$556
$400
$600
$500
$700
$800
Values calculated by Ken Lemke, Nebraska Public Power District, from U.S. Department of Labor,
Employment and Training Administration. Average Employer Contribution Rates by State, 2012.
http://workforcesecurity.doleta.gov
Wage Sampling: Hourly wage rates for various occupations, Panhandle Region, Nebraska
10th
Standard Occupational Code Title
Percentile
Accountants and Auditors
17.17
Computer Programmers*
20.40
Registered Nurses
22.20
Retail Salespersons
8.22
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical
9.26
Customer Service Representatives
9.35
Office Clerks, General
8.26
Assemblers and Fabricators, All Other
8.49
Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand
9.16
Machinists
10.65
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers
9.20
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters
10.94
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
12.07
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators
9.96
Electricians
11.79
Tool and Die Makers*
15.25
50th
Percentile
23.47
35.34
28.77
10.50
13.36
13.07
10.89
10.96
11.80
14.71
13.63
15.58
18.09
12.24
19.13
22.74
90th
Percentile
39.81
56.62
36.94
15.72
18.37
18.96
15.68
16.25
17.32
20.97
25.01
20.29
27.64
17.26
29.28
30.04
*Wage information taken from Nebraska Statewide
Source: Nebraska Workforce Development, Occupational Employment Statistics Program, Fourth Quarter 2014
Workforce
The Nebraska Department of Labor serves employers
and job seekers across Nebraska through its “One‑Stop
Career Centers” located across the state. Services for
employers include employee recruitment and screening,
posting job openings, tax credit information, and labor
market and labor law information. Job seekers can find
a full array of employment and training related services
including on‑site services provided by a network of
mandatory Workforce Investment Act partners. The
nearest One‑Stop Career Center is located in Alliance,
58 miles southeast from Crawford.
To learn more about these and other services, visit
https://neworks.nebraska.gov.
10
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Market Access
Highways
Crawford is located at the intersection of US Highway 20
and Nebraska Highway 2. It is 100 miles west to
Interstate 25, 120 miles north to Interstate 90, and
134 miles south to Interstate 80.
Bus Lines
Crawford Public Transportation provides service in the
community.
Trucklines
More than 13,500 licensed motor carriers with
worldwide connections are based in Nebraska and
serve businesses throughout North America.
Area trucking companies include Connell Trucking in
Crawford; Larry Johnson Trucking, Chadron; Nebraska
Transport Company, Alliance; and Brown Transfer,
Scottsbluff.
The following trucking map is based on North Platte,
Nebraska, 231 miles southeast of Crawford.
Crawford Public Transportation
Air
The Chadron Municipal Airport, 25 miles northeast of
Crawford has two daily commercial flights available
from Great Lakes Airlines to Denver, Colorado. The
airport has two hard‑surfaced runways (6,000 feet and
4,000 feet). The latitude at the airport is 42‑50‑15N
and the longitude is 103‑05‑43W. Services include
instrument landing system, fuel, storage, and aircraft
maintenance.
Nearest Commercial Air Service
Chadron Municipal Airport
Chadron, Nebraska..................... 25 miles, 24 minutes
Source: Nebraska Department of Economic Development. Legal
Trucking Distances from North Platte, Nebraska [maps]. 2014.
1:26,000,000; generated by Melissa Trueblood; using ESRI Business
Analyst Desktop 10.2.1 Software and Data.
Western Nebraska Regional Airport
Scottsbluff, Nebraska.................. 78 miles, 83 minutes
Rapid City Regional Airport
Rapid City, South Dakota........ 125 miles, 122 minutes
Water
Barge service is not available near Crawford.
C R AW F O R D
Rail
The BNSF Railway Company serves Crawford with
approximately 35–50 freight trains daily, of which
90 percent are coal. For further information regarding
BNSF Railway Company, visit www.bnsf.com.
Nebraska Northwestern Railroad also serves Crawford
with one freight train every two weeks.
BNSF coal train coming from the Powder River Basin in Wyoming
Photo Courtesy of BNSF Railway Company
●
N E B R A S K A
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12
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Infrastructure
Nebraska Highlights
Energy costs are often a considerable part of any
business’ operational budget. These costs can vary
greatly between states, but in Nebraska (the only state
in the nation where all electric utilities are publicly
owned) electric costs are passed to consumers at
low, cost-of-service rates. As a result, the state claims
industrial rates well below the national average.
Nebraska electric utilities are able to offer low rates, in
part, because they draw from a balanced and efficient
“mix” of generation resources. This mix includes
coal, natural gas, oil, diesel, and methane along with
carbon‑free generation, like nuclear power, wind
power, and hydropower.
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD) is the state’s
largest electric generating utility in terms of chartered
territory, which includes all or parts of 86 of Nebraska’s
93 counties. NPPD relies upon nine major generating
facilities, more than 5,000 miles of high‑voltage power
lines, approximately 260 substations, and thousands
more miles of distribution lines. Because the system
is interconnected to electrical grids in other states,
NPPD works with regional utilities and industry entities
to ensure power is delivered safely and dependably to
Nebraskans.
NPPD has a new wholesale Economic Development
Rate (EDR) for qualifying projects. To be eligible for the
new, low EDR, a project must be a customer of NPPD’s
Retail Division or an NPPD wholesale customer,
generate a new or additional electric load of at least
one megawatt, have a minimum monthly load factor of
60 percent, and end‑use customer enters into a written
agreement with the State or any political subdivision to
provide an economic development project pursuant to
state or local law.
NPPD is the state’s leader in generating electricity
with renewable resources. NPPD owns and operates
three hydropower facilities and a 36‑turbine,
60‑megawatt wind energy facility. NPPD has invested
millions in the state’s development of wind power
during the past 13 years. Knowing that it would be
more economical for ratepayers, NPPD recently
signed 20‑year, multi‑million‑dollar agreements with
private wind developers to purchase power generated
from community‑based, wind‑powered generation
facilities. In addition, NPPD continues to explore other
opportunities to add more wind power to its generation
portfolio in the next ten years.
With a proven not‑for‑profit power system, strong
infrastructure, a commitment to renewable energy, and
a plan for meeting customers’ needs well into the future,
Nebraska’s public power utilities help make Nebraska
an excellent location for industries.
Natural gas in Nebraska is also attractive to industry
for service, supply, and price. A gas‑producing state,
Nebraska is close and well‑connected by pipeline to
the major gas fields of the central and southern plains.
The state’s average cost of industrial gas is less than
both the regional and national averages.
The pipelines of two major companies, Northern Natural
Gas and Kinder Morgan, provide an ample supply of
natural gas to most areas of Nebraska. Depending on
usage requirements, natural gas is offered both on a
“firm” and “interruptible” basis.
NPPD’s Sources of Energy - 2013
(All resources owned or purchased)
Beatrice Power Station
Cooper Nuclear Station
Gas & Oil
0.8%
Gerald Gentleman Station
Ainsworth Wind Facility
Hydro
2.5%
Coal
56.6%
* Purchases
5.5%
Wind
4.6%
Nuclear
30.0%
* Purchases = 4.3% WAPA @ 795 Gwh
1.2% Others @ 212 Gwh
C R AW F O R D
Nebraska’s
Energy Costs
Are Among
The Lowest In
The Nation
●
N E B R A S K A
2013 Average Retail Price of Energy Costs
Residential
Electric
Natural Gas
(Cents per Kilowatt Hour)
(Dollars per Thousand Cubic Feet)
Commercial
Industrial
Residential
Commercial
Industrial
U.S. Average
12.12
10.29
6.82
10.32
8.08
4.64
NEBRASKA
10.31
8.62
7.22
8.39
6.49
4.72
California
16.39
14.57
11.17
9.92
7.81
6.57
Colorado
11.87
9.87
7.22
7.82
7.25
5.90
Illinois
10.25
7.88
5.73
8.20
7.57
6.00
Indiana
10.84
9.48
6.59
8.43
7.59
6.54
Iowa
11.15
8.47
5.66
8.99
6.97
5.43
Kansas
11.56
9.54
7.07
10.19
9.10
4.85
Massachusetts
15.73
14.51
13.09
13.60
11.29
10.31
Michigan
14.59
11.07
7.78
9.09
7.82
6.97
Minnesota
11.94
9.53
7.06
8.19
6.86
4.94
Missouri
10.52
8.72
6.14
10.88
9.00
8.19
New Jersey
15.72
12.80
10.71
10.89
9.55
8.19
New York
18.84
15.23
6.29
12.49
7.98
7.44
Ohio
11.91
9.38
6.10
9.46
6.20
6.14
Pennsylvania
12.82
9.26
7.00
11.58
10.15
9.21
Texas
11.37
8.03
5.93
10.50
7.25
3.92
Wisconsin
13.70
10.84
7.54
8.65
7.07
6.02
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2013 Annual
Crawford Utilities
Electricity
Crawford is provided retail electric service by Nebraska
Public Power District (NPPD). Service is supplied by
a 34,000‑volt feeder from a 115,000‑volt substation
located east of Crawford The substation consists of
three 1,000 kVA, 34.5/4.16 transformers. The system
is connected to NPPD’s statewide grid system.
Residential Service
Customer Charge:
Summer
Winter
10.61¢
8.67¢
per kWh for the first
750 kWh used per month
10.61¢
6.23¢
per kWh for all
additional use
General Service
Base Electric Rates (effective 1/1/13)
Summer bills run from June–September.
Winter bills run from October–May.
Customers who are served from distribution facilities for
which NPPD has a Lease Payment or Debt Service obligation
and/or a Gross Revenue Tax obligation will have the Base
Rate adjusted to include such obligations.
All rates are subject to application of a Production Cost
Adjustment (PCA) and Base Rate adjustments. All minimum
billings include the customer charge.
$19.00 per month
Customer Charge:
Single Phase
$21.00 per month
Three Phase
$26.00 per month
Summer
Winter
11.16¢
9.23¢
per kWh for the first
1,000 kWh used per
month
11.16¢
8.00¢
per kWh for all
additional use
13
14
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
General Service Demand
Customer Charge:
Single Phase
$100.00 per month
Three Phase
$115.00 per month
Summer
Winter
12.58¢
9.45¢
per kWh for the first
200 kWh per kW of
demand used per month
4.58¢
3.62¢
per kWh for all
additional use
Commercial Electric Space Heating
Customer Charge:
Single Phase
$57.00 per month
Three Phase
$66.00 per month
Summer
Winter
12.57¢
9.03¢
4.65¢
3.66¢
per kWh for the first
200 kWh per kW of
demand used per month
per kWh for all
additional use
High Tension Service
Customer Charge:
$425.00 per month
Demand Charge:
Summer
Winter
$14.40
$10.65
per kW of billing demand
Energy Charge:
Summer
Winter
4.48¢
3.69¢
per kWh for all
on‑peak energy
3.84¢
2.95¢
per kWh for all
off‑peak energy
High Tension Service and General Service Demand
rates are subject to various adders and discounts
depending upon the customer’s requirements,
metering, etc.
NPPD has off‑peak and load management rates
available to qualifying customers.
Prospective
customers
should
contact
Nebraska Public Power District, (877) 275‑6773,
www.nppd.com, for further information regarding
electric rates and service.
Natural Gas
Natural gas is supplied to Crawford by SourceGas
Distribution, LLC, through a 3‑inch transmission
pipeline with an operating pressure of approximately
550–600 pounds per square inch.
SourceGas is the retail distributor of natural gas within
the community, serving approximately 500 residential,
commercial, and industrial customers. Choice Gas is
available to natural gas customers in Crawford.
Natural gas is available for residential and commercial
uses. Availability of natural gas for industrial uses is
subject to individual situations. As specific requirements
of an industrial prospect become available, information
on gas service availability and applicable rates can
be obtained from SourceGas’s Service Center at
(800) 563-0012.
Other Fuels
LP Gas & Oil
LP gas and oil is available for residential and
commercial uses from WESTCO in Chadron, 25 miles
northeast of Crawford.
Water
The municipal water system in Crawford is supplied by
two wells, which have an average depth of 100 feet.
The system, serving the entire city, has a combined
pumping capacity of 155 gallons per minute and an
overhead storage capacity of 1,750,000 gallons. The
average daily demand is 250,000 gallons, and the
historic peak daily demand is 1,000,000 gallons. The
system has a maximum capacity of 2,473,000 gallons
per day. The static pressure is 58 pounds per square
inch and the residual pressure is 25 pounds per square
inch.
The city’s wells produce up to 1,500,000 gallons of water
per day. The water table has not changed significantly
in the past five years. The quality of water in Crawford
does not necessitate a water treatment plant.
C R AW F O R D
Water Rates (effective 8/27/2013)
A water turn‑on fee of $35–$70 is charged.
A tapping fee of $700–$1,000 is charged for new water
services.
Metered Rate:
Residential, Commercial & Industrial
●
N E B R A S K A
Sewerage
Crawford has a municipal sanitary sewerage system
and a surface flow storm sewer system. The activated
sludge treatment plant was built in 2014 and has a daily
capacity of 750,000 gallons and an average daily flow
of 200,000 gallons.
Sewer-Use Charges (effective 7/23/2013)
A sewer permit and inspection fee of $35–$70 is
charged for new service.
Meter Size
Readiness to
Service Charge
per Month
5/8" and 3/4"
$ 22.00
1"
$ 39.50
1 1/2"
$ 57.00
2"
$ 82.00
2 1/2"
$109.50
3"
$124.50
First 15,000 gallons or less
$50.00 per month
4"
$162.00
Over 15,000 gallons
$1.50 per
1,000 gallons
Minimum Bill:
$50.00 per month
Residential
$50.00 per month for single family residence
Commercial & Industrial
Water Charge: $1.85 per each 1,000 gallons used
Minimum Bill: Readiness to Service Charge
Bulk Rate:
Residential, Commercial & Industrial
$5.50 per each 1,000 gallons used
Minimum Bill: $5.00 per month
15
Solid Waste Disposal
Privately owned waste removal services are available
from Stumpf Santitation in Crawford. Wastes are
hauled to a landfill owned by Solid Waste Agency of
Northwest Nebraska (SWANN) in Chadron, 25 miles
northeast of Crawford.
Solid Waste Removal Rates (effective 2010)
Residential
$22.10 per month per living unit
Commercial & Industrial
Small container
$31.72
Large container
$98.00
Base fees include weekly pick‑up
Crawford Wastewater Treatment Plant
Recycling
Recyclables are taken to various Solid Waste Agency
of Northwest Nebraska (SWANN) locations. Items
accepted include glass, paper, aluminum, batteries,
and tires.
16
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Communications
Nebraska is the first state to be served totally by
digital switching, and continues to be served by one
of the nation’s most advanced telecommunications
networks.
Telecommunications
Newspaper
Weekly newspapers delivered in Crawford include the
Crawford Clipper/Harrison Sun with 1,200 subscribers
and the Chadron Record with 2,000 subscribers.
Daily papers delivered to retail outlets are the
Scottsbluff Star‑Herald and the Rapid City Journal.
Telecommunications services in Crawford are provided
by CenturyLink.
Internet
Internet providers in Crawford include CenturyLink,
Mobius Communications, Allo Communications, and
Nebraska Technology & Telecommunications (NT&T).
Post Office
The U.S. Postal Service in Crawford provides
house‑to‑house delivery service and has one mail
receipt and one dispatch daily.
Crawford Clipper/Harrison Sun
Radio
Stations Carrying Local News
Call Letters
U.S. Post Office
Package Delivery Service
Federal Express, United Parcel Service, and the
U.S. Postal Service provide package delivery services
in the Crawford area.
Frequency
Location
KCSR-AM
610 KHz
Chadron
KBPY‑FM
107.7 MHz
Chadron
KQSK-FM
97.5 MHz
Chadron
KCNB-FM
94.7 MHz
Chadron
Television
Stations Carrying Local News
Call Letters
KDUH
Channel
Location
4
Scottsbluff
C R AW F O R D
●
N E B R A S K A
17
Tax Structure
Nebraska Highlights
●● Nebraska assesses income tax based upon the
amount of federal taxable income
●● No state property tax
●● No inventory tax
●● No personal property tax on intangibles
●● No sales tax on:
○○ raw materials when used as ingredients or
component parts in manufacturing operations
○○ sales of energy for processing or
manufacturing purposes
○○ water used exclusively in manufacturing and
processing
○○ qualified agricultural machinery and
equipment
○○ manufacturing machinery, equipment, and
related services
●● Sales and use tax refunds are available on
qualifying air and water pollution control equipment
●● Sales and use tax refunds are available on
property qualifying for certain investment
incentives
The Nebraska State Government is financed by an
individual income tax, corporate income tax, 5.5 percent
sales and use tax, corporate occupation tax, and
selective excise taxes (liquor, tobacco, motor fuels, etc.).
Local governments are financed primarily by property
taxes, although some cities and counties collect a local
option sales tax of between 0.5 and 2.0 percent.
Property taxes are levied against real and personal
property by local political subdivisions such as
counties, cities, school districts, fire districts, etc., to
provide for local services. All real property except
agricultural land is assessed at actual or market value.
Agricultural land is assessed at 75 percent of actual
value. Personal property is assessed at net book value.
Tax rates are expressed in dollars and cents for each
$100 of actual value.
Market value is determined by each county assessor
through professionally accepted mass appraisal
methods, which include, but are not limited to:
●● Comparison with sales of real property of known
or recognized value, taking into account location,
zoning, current functional use, and other statutory
guidelines (sales comparison approach)
●● Earning capacity of the real property (income
approach)
●● Cost less depreciation (cost approach)
Nebraska Tax Incentives
Nebraska’s performance‑based tax incentive programs
demonstrate the state’s commitment to creating a
favorable business environment for your business
expansion or location. Known collectively as the
“Nebraska Advantage Package,” this multi‑tiered
program provides investment credits, wage credits,
sales tax refunds based on investment and job creation
in Nebraska. Qualified companies, large and small can
take advantage of these benefits. For more information
on the qualifications and potential benefits available
to your company contact the Nebraska Department
of Economic Development, (800) 426‑6505 or visit
www.neded.org.
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C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
2014 Actual Valuation
City of Crawford, Nebraska
Real Estate
Crawford 2014 Tax Rates
Personal Property
$2,196,350
Fire District
$0.028873
Natural Resource
District
$0.020416
Educational
Service Unit
$0.016632
Agricultural Society
$0.004187
Community
College
$0.100533
County
$0.363898
$28,944,325
School District
$0.981695
City
$0.500000
Total: $2.016234 (dollars and cents per $100 of actual value)
Total: $31,140,675
Local Bonded Indebtedness
City General Obligation Bonds (as of 10/1/2014)
$809,249
County Bonds (as of 6/1/2014)
$604,882
Crawford City Hall
C R AW F O R D
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N E B R A S K A
19
Local Government
Crawford, a second‑class city, has a mayor‑council
form of government elected by popular vote for
two- and four‑year terms respectively. The 2014–15
actual budget is $4,639,257.
Dawes County has three precincts and is governed
by three county commissioners, who are elected by
popular vote for four‑year terms. The actual county
budget for 2013–14 was $4,144,853. The county
belongs to the Panhandle Area Development District
along with 11 other counties.
Fire Protection
Fire protection is provided to the city by a 40‑member
volunteer fire department; 12 members are certified
emergency medical technicians. The Crawford
Volunteer Fire Department provides protection
outside the city limits to rural customers in conjunction
with the Rural Volunteer Fire Department serving
760 square miles.
Crawford has one fire station and 76 fire hydrants. The
fire insurance classification inside the corporate limits
is 6; outside it is 9. Annual expenditures for the last
three years averaged $100,000.
2012 Crime Rates (per 1,000 population)
Violent
Crimes
Property
Crimes
Dawes County
1.2
19.4
Nebraska
2.6
27.5
U.S Total
3.9
28.6
Source: www.ncc.state.ne.us
State Patrol
Troop E of the Nebraska State Patrol is headquartered
in Scottsbluff, 75 miles southwest of Crawford.
Streets
Crawford has 12 miles of streets; 9 miles are
hard‑surfaced with concrete. No local load restrictions
are enforced. One hundred percent of the streets have
curbs and 75 percent have sidewalks.
Building Regulations
The Uniform Building Codes are enforced in Crawford.
Planning
Crawford has a five‑member planning commission.
Members are approved by the City Council to serve
three‑year terms.
Crawford Volunteer Fire Department
Law Enforcement
The Comprehensive Plan for Crawford was prepared
in 1998 by Panhandle Area Development District,
Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The plan is under review for a
revision in 2015.
The city of Crawford contracts with the Sheriff’s
Department for patrol and protection.
Annual expenditures for police and fire protection for
the last three years averaged $218,000.
Sheriff
The Dawes County Sheriff’s Department has
three sworn officers and six support personnel.
Standard equipment is utilized by the sheriff’s
department. Regular patrol by the sheriff’s department
is provided to existing area industries.
Dawes County Sheriff’s Department
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C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Education
Crawford Public School System
Type of School
Students
Elementary (Pre‑K)
Teacher/Pupil Ratio
Computer/Pupil Ratio
23
1:12
1:2
101
1:14
1:2
Middle School (7–8)
35
1:7
1:1
High School (9–12)
71
1:7
1:1
Elementary (K–6)
School District No. 23‑0071 in Dawes County covers
286 square miles and has a 2014 actual valuation of
$228,021,145, with an actual valuation per student
of $991,396. This Class 3 school is accredited by the
Nebraska Department of Education.
The 2014–15 school operating expenses totaled
$3,984,568, with an average cost per pupil of $15,276.
Several of Nebraska’s universities are ranked as
national leaders at making quality education affordable.
Colleges & Universities
Frequently Attended by
Crawford High School Graduates
Miles
Report Card 2013–2014
ACT Test
Composite
Nebraska
21.7
National
21.0
Source: Nebraska Department of Education
Chadron, NE
25
Chadron State College
Scottsbluff, NE
75
Western Nebraska Community College
Torrington, WY
104
Eastern Wyoming Community College
Educational Service Unit
Rapid City, SD
Educational Service Unit 13 (ESU), with locations
in Chadron, Scottsbluff, and Sidney, serves
11 counties including Dawes County. ESU 13 provides
vocational/tech prep programs. Distance learning,
physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational
therapy are available.
Spearfish, SD
Higher Education
An abundance of public colleges and universities are
available in Nebraska. There are also a number of
community colleges as well as private colleges and
trade schools. A large number of degree programs
are available and some institutions offer courses and
workshops specially tailored to meet specific training
needs of industry, education, and business.
121
School of Mines
171
Black Hills State University
Laramie, WY
210
University of Wyoming
Kearney, NE
328
University of Nebraska – Kearney
Milford, NE
409
Southeast Community College
Lincoln, NE
University of Nebraska - Lincoln
424
C R AW F O R D
Crawford Elementary School
Crawford Middle / High School
●
N E B R A S K A
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22
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Quality of Life
Health Care
Hospital
Nursing Home
Ponderosa Villa
The Chadron Community Hospital, 25 miles
northeast of Crawford, is an acute care facility with
25 beds. Services include 24‑hour emergency room,
surgery, radiology, physical therapy, respiratory
therapy, laboratory, home health and hospice, assisted
living, occupational and speech therapies, Community
Health Resources, dialysis, and IV therapy.
35 beds
Assisted Living
Ponderosa Villa
18 units
Special clinics at the hospital include: audiology,
bariatric,
cardiology,
echocardiogram,
ENT,
internal medicine, nephrology, neurology, OB/GYN,
orthopedics, pacemakers, pathology, and urology.
Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, 75 miles
southwest from Crawford, is an ancillary facility utilized
by Crawford patients.
Clinics
Legend Buttes Health Services in Crawford is open
Monday through Friday with visiting physicians from
the Chadron Medical Clinic.
Ponderosa Villa
Low Cost Housing
Ponderosa Settlement
21 units
Legend Buttes Health Services
Rescue Squad
The Crawford Volunteer Fire Department, with
two ambulances, has 40 volunteer members and
1 support personnel; 12 members are certified
emergency medical technicians. They provide
first responder service and transport to other facilities.
Ponderosa Settlement
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N E B R A S K A
Library
The Crawford Public Library contains 15,150 volumes
and has an average annual circulation of 13,400. The
library has periodicals, CDs, DVDs, and five public
computers with Internet access, and Wufoo available.
Activities include story hour, senior reading program,
and summer reading program.
Congregational Church
Crawford Public Library
Churches
Denomination
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
●●
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Catholic
Christ Community
Congregational
Lutheran
Methodist
Seventh‑Day Adventist
Methodist Church
St. John’s Catholic Church
Christ Community Church
Seventh‑Day Adventist Church
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24
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Recreation
There are two parks in Crawford covering 60 acres.
Crawford City Park has a rodeo arena, park pavilion,
playground, tennis courts, horseshoe pits, shelter,
tables, camping, rest rooms, disc golf, airsoft field, and
motocross course.
Peabody Hale Park has a swimming pool, picnic area
with tables, playground, baseball diamond, community
center, and rest rooms.
Legend Buttes Golf Course is a nine‑hole, award
winning public course. Built next to the stunning
Red Cloud Buttes, the grass greens and tee boxes
offer spectacular scenery. A full service clubhouse is
also available.
Hunting - Crawford is known as the Big Game Capital
of Nebraska because of the available hunting options.
Elk, deer, and antelope seasons bring hundreds of
hunters to the region to take their trophies on thousands
of public acres. They hunt with bow and arrow, muzzle
loaders, and traditional rifles. Wild turkeys are also in
season twice a year. Between the national forest and
grasslands, state and conservation easement property,
private landowners, and outfitters, the Crawford area is
home to some of the best hunting in Nebraska. There
is even a limited Big Horn Sheep season which brings
notoriety to the region.
Fort Robinson State Park is located three miles west
of Crawford with more than 22,000 acres of exquisite
Pine Ridge scenery, compelling old west military
history, lodging, activities, scenic camping, and the
park’s own buffalo and longhorn herds. This was the
site of the 1879 Cheyenne Outbreak and the death of
famed Sioux Chief Crazy Horse. The State Historical
Society operates a museum and many restored or
reconstructed exhibit buildings to interpret the Fort’s
history. The University of Nebraska operates the
Trailside Museum, which interprets the geology and
natural history of the region. The park has all outdoor
amenities, horseback riding, open‑air jeep rides among
the buttes, professional summer theater, fishing,
crafts, swimming, and a restaurant. The park is open
year‑round with activities from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Hudson‑Meng Bison Bonebed - The Pine Ridge of
Nebraska holds one of the most important Paleoindian
(the first documented Americans) archaeological sites
yet discovered anywhere on the Great Plains, the
Hudson-Meng site, located in a small sheltered valley
that served as an occasional home to several of the
earliest cultures to live in this part of North America
between about 10,200 and 11,200 years ago. The
natural resources of the valley—flowing spring, wooded
groves, and vast surrounding grasslands—attracted
both herds of bison and groups of hunter‑gatherers to
the place for thousands of years. And the ways that
people and bison interacted at the site has created an
archaeological mystery about how people lived after
the Ice Age.
Discovered in 1954 during the construction of a
stockpond, the site was originally excavated in the
1970’s and interpreted as the largest Paleoindian‑age
bison kill site ever discovered, with as many
as 600 animals having been taken in one hunt.
Subsequent research during the 1990’s led to differing
interpretations as archaeologists then suggested that
the bison died from multiple events. Some theorized
that the main portion of the bonebed may not represent
a hunting site at all, but that the animals may have died
during a natural event such as a raging prairie grass
fire. Current researchers at the site, through the use
of modern scientific techniques, are still attempting
to solve the mystery! A visit to the Hudson-Meng
Education and Research Center will allow you to view
a contemporary archaeological excavation in progress.
In 1997, a climate controlled enclosure was completed
over the central portion of the bonebed, and the site is
open to the public each summer from Memorial Day
to Labor Day. When you visit, you’ll find interpretive
displays, guided tours, and interactive science activities
to help you understand why this is such an important
discovery, and you are even encouraged to develop
your own theories about what might have happened
to the bison. The site is located northwest of Crawford
in Nebraska’s Oglala National Grassland administered
by the Nebraska National Forest, on the shoulder of
the picturesque Pine Ridge, overlooking the Black Hills
of South Dakota. As an added bonus, it’s only a few
miles (or a short hike) to the moonscape of Toadstool
Geologic Park.
High Plains Homestead - An old‑west cowtown
is slowly coming alive on the windswept prairie of
northwest Nebraska, surrounded by rugged badlands
and framed by trees of the beautiful pine ridge.
Amongst the ruggedness and beauty, rejuvenate your
spirit through a wide variety of activities that can only
happen here and are only limited by your imagination.
Some of the most popular activities include: family
“get‑togethers” and group retreats for the day or
overnight in the bunkhouse cabins, birding, geocaching,
fossil hunting, horseback riding (bring your own horse),
mountain biking, hunting of all kinds (turkey, deer,
antelope and prairie dog), and great cowboy cookin’
at the Cookshack. Plus, every night, a front row seat
to The Best Show in the Universe..., right off the front
porch. Located north and a little west of Crawford,
follow the signs off of Nebraska Highway 2.
C R AW F O R D
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N E B R A S K A
Crawford City Park
Peabody Hale Park
Community Building
25
26
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Legend Buttes Golf Course
C R AW F O R D
Toadstool Park Geologic Park - The spectacular rock
formations and unusual examples of the effects of water
and wind over millions of years make the Toadstool
Geologic Park Trail Hike a definite “must see” on any
Western Nebraska road trip. The Park is in the Oglala
National Grasslands and is in an area sometimes
called the Nebraska Badlands. Many unusual geologic
formations are visible and the park has yielded some
scientifically useful fossil deposits, some of which are
still evident as “tracks” in the rocks.
Soldier Creek Wilderness Area - Soldier Creek
Wilderness is located northwest of Fort Robinson
State Park. Created by an act of Congress in 1986, the
wilderness is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and
covers an area of 7,794 acres within the Pine Ridge
section of the Nebraska National Forest. The wilderness
experienced a large wildfire in 1989, which destroyed
almost 90 percent of the ponderosa pine forest, which
today is slowly rebounding. The threatened bald eagle
can be found here, as can white-tailed deer, mule deer,
bobcats, coyotes and numerous other mammals. The
region, which was originally established as a timber
reservation for nearby Fort Robinson, was utilized by
the U.S. Cavalry from the late 19th century through
World War II for its excellent horse pastures along
Soldier Creek. A series of trails pass two windmills
that are still functioning, even though they are not
maintained and are over 100 years old. A popular
destination for horseback riding, the wilderness is the
larger of the two federally-designated wilderness areas
in Nebraska.
Crawford Senior Center offers senior meals. Activities
include cards, videos, and socializing.
The RSVP Center has volunteer activities and socializing.
The Historical Society Museum displays local
community and business history, newspaper archives,
and photos.
Historical Society Museum
●
N E B R A S K A
Annual Celebrations
June Intertribal Gathering
Pow‑wow featuring competitive
dancing from tribes of the Plains
Indians, local vendors, kids
activities, 5 and 10k walk/run
Crawford High School Rodeo
Crawford All Alumni Banquet
Ride the Ridge
Daylong trail ride by horseback
in the Pine Ridge; open to public;
bring your own horse
July Fourth of July
Professional rodeo, art show,
parade, fireworks
Peabody Hale Fiddle Contest
Fiddle contest featuring dances,
games, contests for several age
groups, food
Women’s Rodeo
Rodeo events for women
August Senior Pro Rodeo
Professional rodeo for entrants
over 50
September Northwest Nebraska Rock
Swap
Vendors buying, selling, and
trading rocks and minerals
December Historical Christmas at the
Fort
Recreation of Christmas dinner
provided at Fort Robinson,
served in the Fort headquarters
building with period dress,
decoration, and menu
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28
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Scenes from Crawford Parade
Crawford Rodeo
Miss Rodeo Nebraska
Cattle Drive in Crawford
Buttes & Horses
Fireworks
C R AW F O R D
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N E B R A S K A
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Financial Institutions
Housing
●● Security First Bank
One new home was constructed in the past three years.
The cost of new home construction averages $50 per
square foot.
Security First Bank
New Housing
Crawford Neighborhood
30
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Community Services
Crawford is a ranch community that offers necessities
and more to the area families. Drawing on residents
in a 30‑mile radius, Crawford is home to the largest
livestock sale barn in the region, hosts hundreds of
thousands of visitors each year, and boasts the only
uranium mine in Nebraska. The excellent school district
attracts families who want to live in a small town that
features personal attention.
Contractors
Professional
Gravel.............................................................. 3
Attorneys..............................................................1
Auctioneers..........................................................1
Certified Public Accountants.................................1
Medical
Dentists..............................................................3
Family Practice Physicians................................3
Nurses, Registered............................................4
Pharmacists.......................................................2
Veterinarians........................................................3
Business and Commercial
Building............................................................ 2
Carpentry......................................................... 6
Concrete.......................................................... 1
Excavating....................................................... 2
General (commercial)...................................... 3
General (residential)........................................ 3
Heating & Air Conditioning............................... 1
Painting............................................................ 1
Plumbing.......................................................... 1
Remodeling..................................................... 6
Well Digging.................................................... 2
Convenience Stores........................................... 2
Copying & Duplicating Services......................... 1
Craft Stores........................................................ 2
Electric Motor Repairs........................................ 1
Farm/Ranch Supplies......................................... 1
Feed & Seed Dealers......................................... 1
Fertilizer Suppliers/Applicators........................... 1
Floral Shops....................................................... 2
Accounting/Bookkeeping Agencies.................... 1
Gift Shops........................................................... 4
Antique Shops.................................................... 2
Grain Dealers..................................................... 1
Apparel Stores
Grocery Stores................................................... 1
Women’s.......................................................... 1
Hardware Stores................................................ 1
Appliance Stores................................................ 1
Insurance Companies........................................ 2
Auto Body Repair & Services............................. 1
Landscaping Equipment & Supplies................... 1
Auto Repair & Services...................................... 2
Laundromats...................................................... 1
Auto Supply Parts............................................... 1
Lumberyards...................................................... 1
Automobile Dealers............................................ 1
Meat Processors................................................ 1
Aviation Seeding & Spraying.............................. 2
Motels/Hotels........................................(37 rooms) 2
Bakeries............................................................. 2
Nurseries & Garden Centers.............................. 2
Banquet Facilities, Halls
Auditoriums & Meeting Rooms........................ 4
Pet Boarding/Grooming Services....................... 1
Beauty Salons/Barber Shops............................. 3
Real Estate Firms............................................... 1
Bed & Breakfasts.................................. (12 rooms) 3
Restaurants........................................................ 6
Caterers.............................................................. 2
Service Stations................................................. 1
Child Care Services ........................................... 1
Variety Stores..................................................... 1
Pharmacies........................................................ 1
Welding Shops................................................... 2
C R AW F O R D
Downtown Crawford
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N E B R A S K A
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32
C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Agriculture & Raw Materials
In 2012 Nebraska ranked third among the states in corn
exports, third in total cash receipts from farm and ranch
marketing, and fifth in agricultural exports. Nebraska’s
farms and ranches utilized 45.5 million acres or
93 percent of the state’s total land area. Cash receipts
from farm markets in 2012 contributed more than
$24 billion to the state’s economy and 6.2 percent of
the U.S. total. Food processing is the state’s largest
manufacturing sector and foreign markets are important
for many of the state’s manufacturers.
Sources: Nebraska Agriculture Rankings - USDA ERS,
USDA NASS; Food Processing Status - Bureau of Labor
Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages
The Ogallala Aquifer underlies 174,000 square
miles in parts of eight states. The Ogallala Aquifer
within Nebraska contains approximately 65 percent
of the water in storage in the entire aquifer. With the
implementation of more efficient irrigation systems
and other water management measures, the Ogallala
Aquifer will remain a valuable resource in Nebraska.
Nebraska’s Rank Among States
1st...
Great Northern Beans, Dry Edible, 2013
Cattle on Feed, Jan. 2014
Cropland Irrigated Acres, 2012
Popcorn, 2012
Red Meat Production, 2013
2nd...
Light Red Kidney Beans, Dry Edible, 2013
Pinto Beans, Dry Edible, 2013
Bison, 2012
Cattle and Calves, All, Jan. 2014
3rd...
Cash Receipts from Farm Marketings, 2012
Corn for Grain, 2013
Dry Edible Beans, All, 2013
Proso Millet, 2013
Nebraska’s Natural Resource Districts (NRDs) have
responsibility for managing groundwater resources.
The Nebraska Department of Natural Resources
maintains responsibility for administration of surface
water rights. In locations where groundwater and
surface water are connected, the responsibility is
shared among the NRDs and the state for achieving a
sustainable balance between water supplies and water
use.
4th...
Beef Cows, All, Jan. 2014
Black Beans, Dry Edible, 2013
Land in Farms, 2013
On Farm Grain Storage Capacity, Dec. 2013
Off Farm Grain Storage Capacity, Dec. 2013
5th...
Soybeans, 2013
WYOMING
SOUTH DAKOTA
Sugarbeets, 2013
6th...
NEBRASKA
Cropland, Total Acres, 2012
Hogs and Pigs, All, Dec. 2013
Principal Crops, Harvested, 2013
KANSAS
Sorghum for Silage, 2013
7th...
COLORADO
Sorghum for Grain, 2013
8th...
NEW
MEXICO
Hay, Alfalfa, 2013
OKLAHOMA
Sunflower, All, 2013
9th...
Hay, Other, 2013
TEXAS
Corn for Silage, 2013
10th...
Potatoes, Fall, 2013
Source: Nebraska Agriculture Rankings - USDA ERS,
USDA NASS
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Dawes County
2012 Statistics
Dawes County
State of Nebraska
Number of Farms......................................................................................... 493.............................. 49,969
Land in Farms (acres)........................................................................... 824,038....................... 45,331,783
Average Size of Farms (acres).................................................................. 1,671................................... 907
Market Value of Agricultural Products Sold.................................... $75,631,000.............. $23,068,756,000
Market Value Per Farm........................................................................ $153,410.......................... $461,661
Total Acres Irrigated................................................................................. 21,390......................... 8,296,573
Percent of Farmland Irrigated.....................................................................2.6%............................... 18.3%
Source: 2012 Census of Agriculture
Five-Year Average Production of
Leading Crops (2009–2013)
Dawes County
State of Nebraska
Corn for Grain......................................................... ..................... 512,875 bu.* .............. 1,499,220,000 bu.
Hay, Alfalfa.............................................................. ..................... 57,030 tons* ....................5,443,000 tons
Winter Wheat.......................................................... ....................1,096,680 bu. ................... 59,794,000 bu.
*4-Year Average
Five-Year Average
Livestock Population (2009–2013)
Dawes County
State of Nebraska
All Cattle................................................................. ...............................66,600 ...........................6,320,000
Source: National Agricultural Statistics Service
Raw Materials
Uranium is mined at Crow Butte Resources, five miles southeast of Crawford. An estimated 700,000 pounds of
yellow cake is produced annually.
Ponderosa Pine timber is available with 50,000 acres considered commercial quality.
Main agriculture crops are cattle, alfalfa and grass hay, and wheat. Cattle are sold live and processed elsewhere. Most hay
is fed locally and not commercially sold. Wheat is generally sold at the elevator and shipped elsewhere for processing.
Crawford Livestock Market
West Plains Grain
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C O M M U N I T Y
G U I D E
Climate
Annual Maximum Temperature (F)
Nebraskans enjoy four distinct
seasons...
spring, summer, fall, and winter
Nebraska has a continental climate, with hot summers
and cold winters. Temperatures are highly variable from
season to season and year to year. The majority of the
state has an average annual maximum temperature
of 60ºF to 65ºF with average annual minimum
temperatures in the 30ºF to 40ºF range. State
temperature records are -47ºF and 118ºF. The average
number of days in excess of 100ºF range from
5 (northeast) to 11 (southwest) with most of the state
between 6 and 9 days. Minimum temperatures below
zero occur on average 7 days per year in southeast
Nebraska to 20 days in north-central Nebraska.
72
69
66
63
60
NEBRASKA
57
54
51
48
Annual Minimum Temperature (F)
Precipitation
48
45
Precipitation is also variable and ranges from an
annual average of 15 to 20 inches in the west to 30 to
35 inches in southeast Nebraska. Approximately
75 percent of the precipitation falls as rain from April to
September. Annual average snowfall ranges from
20 inches in the southeast to 50 inches in the
northwest. Snowfall usually increases during late
winter and reaches a maximum in March.
42
39
36
NEBRASKA
33
30
27
24
21
Growing Season
The growing season fluctuates in length, but on
average it ranges from 120 days in the extreme
northwest to 170 days in the southeast. The average
date of the last freeze in spring varies from April 25
in extreme southeast Nebraska to May 21 in extreme
northwest. The first fall freeze typically occurs from
September 20 in the extreme northwest to October 6
in the southeast part of the state.
Annual Precipitation (inches)
45
40
35
30
NEBRASKA
25
20
15
10
Based on 30-year. climate normals 1981–2010 data from the High Plains
Climate Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Source: www.hprcc.unl.edu
C R AW F O R D
Crawford
●
N E B R A S K A
N E B R A S K A
Crow Butte Resources
community website:
crawfordnebraska.net
“The Garden Beyond
the Sandhills”
35
Crawford
N E B R A S K A
March 2015
www.nppd.com
Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Nebraska’s largest electric utility, assists in the economic development
of the areas it serves. For more information on NPPD’s economic development assistance, contact the Economic
Development Department, 1414 15th Street, PO Box 499, Columbus, NE 68602-0499, (800) 282-6773, Ext. 5534,
email: econdev@nppd.com, or visit our website at econdev.nppd.com.
© Nebraska Public Power District, 2015
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