Submitted

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced more than $7.6 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding has been awarded for 19 projects across Kansas. These investments are aimed at strengthening infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities in rural and low- to moderate-income communities.

“Communities throughout Kansas need partners as they work to rehabilitate housing, revitalize community facilities, and build safe playgrounds and attractions,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce Toland said. “The CDBG program provides lasting, positive change through infrastructure advancements and quality-of-life improvements — all together growing local economies and creating stronger towns across the state.”

The 19 awardees received a total of $7,690,591 in federal funds, which was matched by $9,885,173 in local investments. The result was a combined total of $17,575,764 to be used for public improvements across Kansas.

Projects awarded in this round include:

Arkansas City, $300,000 — Rehabilitating five housing units, including four owner-occupied homes, and demolishing two vacant blighted structures

Auburn, $312,779 — Revitalizing Auburn Civic Center Park with a new basketball and pickleball court, fencing, facility lighting and more

Bronson, $199,575 — Replacing playground equipment and constructing ADA-accessible sidewalks

Carbondale, $650,000 — Building multi-purpose sport courts, a toddler play area, facility lighting and sidewalks to the park

Chapman, $300,000 — Restoring the second floor of the historic Buhrer Opera House for future commercial use

Chase, $650,000 — Upgrading the wastewater system to replace deteriorated sewer mains and lift stations to reduce infiltration and inflow

Delphos, $650,000 — Redeveloping a downtown park with a new playground, small splash pad, restroom and accessibility upgrades

Ellsworth, $300,000 — Rehabilitating seven houses and demolishing five vacant, dilapidated structures

Emporia, $750,000 — Installing a synthetic turf soccer field, refurbishing an existing field and building an ADA-accessible restroom

Enterprise, $650,000 — Upgrading park amenities including pool improvements, splash features, shade structures, concessions, restrooms and fencing

Girard, $72,000 — Purchasing new safety gear for volunteer firefighters

Grinnell, $56,237 — Replacing 40 tornado-damaged water meters

Hill City, $650,000 — Reconstructing 3.5 blocks of Prout Street, including curbs, gutters and drainage

Junction City, $300,000 — Upgrading structures and making façade improvements to Highwind Brewing as an event space

Kingman, $300,000 — Restoring the historic Kingman Bank Building for commercial use

Leon, $50,000 — Replacing two obsolete storm sirens with a new unit near City Hall

Lyndon, $650,000 — Expanding and rehabilitating the local library with ADA access, façade repairs and site drainage improvements

Sterling, $750,000 — Installing more than 6,000 feet of new waterlines to serve a proposed business development site

Sumner County, $100,000 — Covering tuition, books and tools for income-eligible students attending Cowley College

“Our rural towns have the passion for advancing quality of life in their communities — but sometimes lack the resources to take on necessary projects,” said Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez. “CDBG awards are more than just a check — they match the heart and vision of our communities with opportunities and resources to build a brighter future.”

The funded projects are tangible results of how CDBG dollars help communities support economic development and develop spaces that improve the lives of Kansans.

To learn more about the Community Development Block Grant program and view awardees, visit https://www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg/awards/.

About the Kansas Department of Commerce

As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses.

Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.

About the Quality Places Division

Established in 2024, the Quality Places Division at the Kansas Department of Commerce exists to improve quality of life in communities across the state through various programs and services. The Kansas Department of Commerce understands the immense role played by strong communities in economic development and prioritizes investments in people and communities as major contributors to the overall strength of the Kansas economy.

About the Kansas CDBG Program

The Kansas Community Development Block Grant program provides funding to cities and counties to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income Kansans. Administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, the program supports projects in housing, community facilities and economic development.