ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Communities everywhere are looking for ways to revitalize their downtown areas, and soon, they could get some funding to help with that.
Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced $1.5 million is available for a sixth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across the state. These grants help close the financial gaps for communities striving to make their downtown districts economically vibrant, according to a release from the State of Kansas, and since the launch of the program in 2021, $7 million has been awarded to fund more than 100 different community projects throughout Kansas. The state investment has leveraged $36.7 million in local matching funds.
“Most small communities have plenty of buildings in their downtown, but not enough of them are ready to be occupied by small businesses,” Toland noted in the State of Kansas release. “Restoring these beautiful buildings brings the structures back to productive use as centers of commerce and helps keep downtowns alive and vital. The HEAL grant program helps communities 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 become 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 window opens Oct. 1 and closes Dec. 31. Awardees will be notified in March. Communities that received HEAL grants in fall 2024 or spring 2025 are not eligible to apply for this round of funding.
For interested parties, a virtual webinar about the specifics of the program is scheduled for 3 p.m. Monday. Registration is required for the webinar and a Zoom link will be provided once registration is completed. To register, visit us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_9GpOdD5hRdG2S-7tWT3vBA#/registration.
The Office of Rural Prosperity will host office hours from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 16, Thursday, Nov. 13 and Thursday, Dec. 11 for those with questions. Visit us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/emYrwRQARD6I0699gFKeAQ#/registration to register.
For additional information about HEAL grants, the webinar and the online application, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/community-development/heal/
Wednesday saw Toland announce $23 million is available to improve broadband infrastructure through the Broadband Acceleration Grant (BAG) program. Grants up to $1 million will be awarded to offset the capital expenses providers need to deploy service in unserved areas of Kansas.
“In its fifth year through the bipartisan Eisenhower Legacy Transportation Program (IKE), the Broadband Acceleration Grant program aims to provide high-quality, reliable broadband access throughout the state, prioritizing unserved areas, economically distressed communities and areas of compelling need,” Toland noted in a release from the State of Kansas. “Ensuring every Kansan has access to high-speed internet is not just about connectivity — it’s about economic mobility and community growth. These grants provide long-term, sustainable benefits by fostering innovation, attracting businesses, and supporting and retaining the workforce across the state.”
During the first four years of this program, high-speed internet has been delivered to more than 11,000 homes and businesses in 35 counties. The cumulative $25 million generated another $31 million in matching funds.
Other leaders also praised the work.
“The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is an important part of KDOT’s commitment to modernizing Kansas’ infrastructure,” Transportation Secretary Calvin Reed noted in a release from the State of Kansas. “Just as transportation infrastructure connects communities to opportunity, reliable broadband access is essential to building a stronger, more connected Kansas. Broadband enables small businesses to grow, agriculture to be more efficient, families to connect and communities to prosper.”
“By continuing to invest in broadband we are not just investing in critical infrastructure, we are investing in the future of every Kansan,” Director of Broadband Development Bill Abston noted in a release from the State of Kansas. “The Broadband Acceleration Grant program is a critical tool to ensuring that all Kansans, no matter where they live, can access their high-speed digital future.”
About the Kansas Department of Commerce
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Office of Broadband Development
Established in 2020 by Governor Laura Kelly through Executive Order, the Kansas Office of Broadband Development (KOBD) is committed to ensuring all Kansans have the opportunity to live, work, learn and compete in a digital economy. KOBD accomplishes this by administering state and federal funding to support critical broadband infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet. These efforts help enhance workforce readiness, education, digital opportunities and economic development across the state.
