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6 | Page January 3 1 I ssueGovernor Kelly Announces Nearly $11M for Community ImprovementsTOPEKA (1.31.2025) %u2013 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.%u201cThe 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,%u201d Governor Laura Kelly said. %u201cThe dollars allocated to these counties demonstrably address and enhance municipal capacity and quality of life for Kansans throughout the state.%u201dCDBG, 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.%u201cThe competitive aspect of CDBG is inspiring communities across the state to develop and pursue a local vision that reflects their unique circumstances,%u201d said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. %u201cBy encouraging public and private partnerships along with resident participation, extraordinary projects are happening all across Kansas.%u201dThis round of CDBG awards were made in four program areas:%u2022 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.%u2022 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. %u2022 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. %u2022 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%u2019s CDBG program administers the federal funds used by local governments for the development of vibrant, viable communities that address housing, public facilities, and economic