Wednesday, August 116th, Governor Laura Kelly announced that two rural communities will each receive $250,000 in Federal Grants to assist with community development projects. The $500,000 will be matched with $1,236,632 of local funding, totaling more than $1.7 million of new investment in Osawatomie and Emporia. The Federal Commercial Rehabilitation Grants are being awarded to revitalize downtown areas through the Community Development Block Grant Program. Kelly says vibrant Kansas main streets are a critical component of bringing prosperity to communities across the state and the state will continue to make funding available to make it possible for rural communities to afford necessary but costly projects.
In Osawatomie, the funds will be used to fix roofing, windows and doors and to demolish an attached garage of a downtown building. The first floor will be used for commercial space, with short term living rentals on the second floor.
