Page 24 - Demo

24 | Page November 8 I ssuecondition,%u201d Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. %u201cWith $20 billion of new private investment pushing into all parts of Kansas, HEAL grants give communities a chance to create their own momentum, turning downtown buildings that were once storage or pigeon roosts into stores, coffee shops and upper floor lofts.%u201dThe HEAL grant helps communities bring revitalize downtown buildings as spaces for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurial activities.Submitted projects must show potential to be economic drivers in the community and demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project. There must be proof of 1:1 matching funds from the building owner that will be required at the time of application.The application opens November 1, 2024 and closes January 31, 2025. Awardees will be notified in April. Communities that received HEAL grants in spring 2023 or fall 2024 are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.For additional information about HEAL grants and the online application, please visit here.Solid waste infrastructure fundingThe EPA announced $58 million in funding through the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grant program, aimed at improving local infrastructure for waste and recycling management%u2022 What is the SWIFR program? Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, SWIFR grants help counties reduce landfill use, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and promote recycling.%u2022 County examples: Counties like Chaffee County, Colo., Durham County, N.C., and Chemung County, N.Y. have already benefited from the program, using funds to enhance recycling facilities and reduce waste contamination. %u2022 How to apply: Counties can apply for SWIFR grants through December 20, 2024. Counties may also submit an informal Notice of Intent to Apply to the EPA by November 15, 2024 to streamline the process. Learn more here.