TOPEKA (KSNT) - The Kansas Department of Commerce announced $390,000, $770,000 with matching funds, will be used to help save rural downtown buildings in the Sunflower State.
On Tuesday, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland announced that funds from the Emergency Economic Asset Lifeline (E-HEAL) grant program have been awarded to five recipients.
As of 2024, E-Heal in Kansas has a $500,000 annual budget. Projects selected can be awarded up to $100,000 per community. Projects must show potential for reuse and revitalization as an economic driver in the community, according to the Kansas Commerce eligibility requirements. Emergency Heal aims to fund sudden and urgent needs of communities with buildings that are at risk of imminent loss, that are causing damage to surrounding downtown buildings, and/or have significant damage due to uncontrollable factors.
“This year, Kansas has had its fair share of weather events that have caused significant damage to many historic buildings,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The E-HEAL program helps save these structures, creates business opportunities in these communities, and elevates the aesthetic appeal of the downtown areas.”
The E-Heal Program extends funds to communities with buildings at risk of demolition or collapse to be rehabilitated. Projects that are selected must be completed within two years, according to the press release from the Kansas Department of Commerce.
| Project | Organization | City | County | Award |
| Happy Hippie Bldg. | Grow Clay County | Clay Center | Clay | $85,000 |
| Julius Kuhn Block | Locally Atchison | Atchison | Atchison | $100,000 |
| Macksville Community Building & Opera | Stafford Co. Economic Develop. | Macksville | Stafford | $85,000 |
| McCloud Buildings | Rice Co. Community Foundation | Lyons | Rice | $100,000 |
| No Place Like Home | Choose Ottawa County | Minneapolis | Ottawa | $20,000 |
For more information on the E-Heal program, click here.
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