TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – The Kansas Department of Commerce announced that $40 million would be made available under ARPA grant programs Building Opportunities for the Disabled and Elderly (ABODE) and State Park Revitalization and Investment in Notable Tourism ( SPRINT).
The ABODE program will provide $10 million in funding for new construction projects and the renovation of affordable multifamily housing units for people with disabilities and seniors. The SPRINT program will distribute $30 million for investments in regional tourism businesses and state parks.
The funds were designated by the Kansas Executive Committee for Strengthening People and Revitalization (SPARK) and approved by the state Finance Board in December.
“To continue our historic growth path, we must continue to invest in quality-of-life assets. Providing quality housing to all Kansans and developing attractive regional tourist destinations will help us build strong and inviting communities across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland.
According to the Kansas Department of Commerce, ABODE applications may include health and safety renovations of existing buildings or the construction of new multiple housing units that house older and/or disabled individuals. Project design, engineering costs and architectural designs are also eligible as eligible expenses. Winners will have two years to complete their projects and use all allocated funds.
Suitable ABODE candidates include:
- Residential real estate developers
- Non-profit organizations in good standing with the state of Kansas
- County and local government units
- Existing entities that provide specifically designed housing for the elderly and people with disabilities
- Public housing bodies.
SPRINT applications can include, but are not limited to:
- Infrastructure improvements, capital projects, renovations
- Construction, engineering and architecture, design, inspections and environmental assessments
- Refurbishment and repair of internal and external structures, roads and service links adjacent to the project site
- Development of public land to create a tourist destination
- Costs associated with the recruitment of new permanent and semi-permanent exhibitions
- National Museum Affiliation Application Costs
Suitable SPRINT candidates include:
- Kansas State Parks
- Conventions and Visitor Bureaus
- County and local government units
- Museums
- Convention Centers
- Centers for the performing arts
- Places of entertainment
- Other tourism-oriented tourism enterprises and agencies.
ABODE and SPRINT grant applications are now both open. Entries will close at 11.59pm on Monday 27 February for both programmes.
Informational webinars will be available to the public. The SPRINT webinar will take place on Thursday February 2nd at 9:00am. The ABODE webinar will take place on Thursday February 2nd at 3pm.
Webinar registration and grant application guidelines are available at www.kansascommerce.gov/abode/ and www.kansascommerce.gov/sprint/. Applicants may contact [email protected] with any questions regarding this funding opportunity.
