Staff from the Kansas Department of Commerce visited Marysville on Monday to discuss grant opportunities and programs aimed at enhancing rural communities. Andrew Hayman, director of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, and Miranda Carpenter, a specialist in the Quality Places Division, met with local leaders, including OneMarysville director Wayne Kruse, City Administrator Josh Haverkamp, and volunteers. The focus was on extending the Blue River Rail Trail into downtown Marysville to boost tourism and community engagement.

Hayman and Carpenter outlined available grants, application deadlines, and resources, emphasizing economic development, stormwater drainage, and sidewalk improvements.

Officials highlighted the importance of leveraging multiple funding sources, including CDBG grants and programs like Rural Opportunity Zones. The visit underscored opportunities for collaboration and long-term community improvement.