Governor Laura Kelly announced on Friday, January 31, that 24 rural Kansas communities will receive nearly $10.9 million through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to help fund community projects.
CDBG is a federal program run by the Kansas Department of Commerce that provides money for projects that might not be possible otherwise. The total funding of $10,849,582 will be combined with local funds, bringing the total available for these projects to over $26.9 million.
The funding is divided into four areas:
- Community Centers, Parks, and Libraries: Projects that improve engagement, health, and vibrancy, such as new or renovated community centers, libraries, and parks. For example, Washington will use its funds to add new playground equipment and remove old equipment at Munchkinland Playground.
- Sidewalks and Trails: Projects that connect people to services and recreation, like improving sidewalks and adding ADA access. Hoyt will use its funds to improve sidewalks and add signage on Highland Avenue and 4th Street.
- Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Funds for repairs to water and sewer systems, like Morland’s project to upgrade its wastewater treatment cells.
- Youth Job Training: Funds for programs that help at-risk youth with workforce training, like Bartlett’s youth summer internship program at Coffeyville Community College.
To qualify for funding, projects must assist low- to moderate-income individuals, address slums and blight, or meet urgent community needs that can’t be managed locally. CDBG funds are aimed at supporting smaller, rural communities in Kansas.
