TOPEKA - Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday that 24 rural Kansas communities will receive a share of nearly $10.9 million through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist with community development projects. 

“The Community Development Block Grant program continues to be a vital resource for our small and rural communities that are in critical need of infrastructure and institutional improvements,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The dollars allocated to these counties demonstrably address and enhance municipal capacity and quality of life for Kansans throughout the state.” 

CDBG, a program facilitated by the Kansas Department of Commerce and its Quality Places Division, is a federal grant program that provides funding for projects that might otherwise not be constructed. The total funding of $10,849,582 will be matched with local funding, allowing more than $26.9 million to be available for the identified local projects. 

“The competitive aspect of CDBG is inspiring communities across the state to develop and pursue a local vision that reflects their unique circumstances,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “By encouraging public and private partnerships along with resident participation, extraordinary projects are happening all across Kansas.” 

This round of CDBG awards were made in four program areas: 

• Community Centers, Parks and Libraries: Funds projects to increase community engagement, health, connectiveness, and vibrancy through construction or renovation of new or existing community centers, libraries, or parks. 
  Example: The City of Washington will use its funds to install new playground equipment and demolition work to existing equipment at the Munchkinland Playground.  

• Sidewalks and Trails: Funds projects that connect community members to services, community centers, schools, and recreational areas.
  Example: The City of Hoyt will use the funds to improve the Highland Avenue and 4th Street area to include new sidewalks, ADA sidewalk access, striping, and signage.  

• Water and Sewer Infrastructure: Funds assist with water and sewer infrastructure projects such as repairs of a facility.
  Example: The City of Morland is planning to rehabilitate wastewater treatment cells and convert portions of existing cells into a seepage cell and wetland.  

• Youth Job Training: Funds projects to address the needs of at-risk youth in workforce training and development.
  Example: The City of Bartlett is using its funds to create a youth summer internship program for the building trades initiative at Coffeyville Community College.  

Commerce’s CDBG program administers the federal funds used by local governments for the development of vibrant, viable communities that address housing, public facilities, and economic needs. To be awarded funds, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives: 

• The grant will benefit low- and moderate-income persons; 

• The grant will prevent or eliminate slums and blight; 

• The grant will resolve an urgent need that communities are not able to do so on their own. 

CDBG funds are one of Commerce’s primary tools for supporting the state’s smaller, predominantly rural communities. To view the complete list of 2024 awardees, click here.