21 projects across Kansas will receive almost $1.4 million in funding from the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grant program. The program, which receives bipartisan support from Governor Kelly and the Kansas Legislature to provide annual allocations, aims to help rural communities revitalize downtown buildings and create safer downtowns with more job opportunities. Projects being funded in this round of awards include upper-story housing, child care facilities, retail businesses, and restaurants. In addition, the projects will receive more than $3.4 million in private local matching funds. “Vibrant, safe downtowns spur economic growth by attracting businesses and jobs and establishing community pride,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Investments like this bring life back into these communities and are instrumental to their long-term success.” The Kansas Department of Commerce’s Office of Rural Prosperity, Community Development Division, and Kansas Main Street collaborate on HEAL to revitalize underutilized and dilapidated downtown structures where the cost to rehabilitate exceeds the limit that conventional financing can cover. Downtown landmarks that get new life breathed into them through HEAL are transformed into spaces that serve multiple purposes. Projects are to be completed within two years.
Source: KAKE News
