Commerce Awards Nearly $1.5 Million in CDBG Grants for Housing, Commercial Projects

The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced five Kansas cities will receive a share of $1,450,000 through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to assist with community development projects.

CDBG, administered by the Department of Commerce, is a federal grant program that provides funding for projects that help low- to moderate-income neighborhoods prosper.

"These grants provide critical support to Kansas communities and downtown areas for important projects that might not otherwise happen," Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. "The CDBG program allows Commerce to partner with local communities and address specific housing and building issues standing in the way of progress."

The CDBG Housing program provides funding to support the rehabilitation of housing units and the demolition of blighted structures. Awarded cities completed the Housing Assessment Tool (HAT) and identified Housing Rehabilitation as a program area to address their needs.

CDBG Housing Rehabilitation grants were awarded to the following cities: Anthony - $300,000 to rehabilitate 10 homes and demolish two, Caney - $300,000 to rehabilitate seven homes and demolish three, Harper - $300,000 to rehabilitate nine homes and demolish four and Peabody - $300,000 to rehabilitate seven homes and demolish two.

The CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation program provides funding to assist private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted structures in downtown commercial districts.

The following city has been awarded a CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation grant: Russell - $250,000 to renovate the property at 621 North Main Street to house a commercial operation currently renting space in another building.

"As the Department of Commerce continues to assist advancing economic growth throughout Kansas," Commerce Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matthew Godinez said, "it's crucial these grants are awarded to ensure we are investing in communities that otherwise might not have the financial means to do these key projects."

Overall, CDBG awarded more than $13 million in 2023 for Housing, Commercial Rehabilitation, Community Facilities, Youth Job Training and more.

(Information courtesy Kansas Department of Commerce.)