Sidewalks and Trails Grant Program

The Kansas Department of Commerce is currently accepting applications for its Sidewalks and Trails Grant Program. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement, health, connectedness, and vibrancy by providing funding for the construction of sidewalks and trails that connect to recreational facilities. A total of one million dollars has been allocated for the program in 2024, with individual grants ranging from $650,000 for communities with populations under 5,000 to $800,000 for those with populations over 5,000. Administrative costs for the projects are capped at $25,000. The primary purpose of the Sidewalks and Trails Grant Program is to support projects that foster community engagement and improve public health by creating accessible pathways. Eligible projects include the construction of new sidewalks and trails that link residents to essential services, community centers, schools, and recreational areas. Additionally, the program allows for the installation of benches and resting areas along the walkways, as well as covering engineering and architectural costs associated with the projects. To be eligible for this grant, applicants must be incorporated cities or counties in Kansas that do not receive an annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Notably, cities such as Kansas City, Lawrence, and Wichita, among others, are ineligible due to their entitlement status. Furthermore, a city or county will be disqualified if it has an open CDBG project that requires a time extension or has exceeded its original contract end date. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including project need, readiness, impact, sustainability, and the availability of matching funds. Key factors that can enhance an application include demonstrating that alternative solutions were considered, securing a local match of at least 50% of the total project costs, and ensuring that at least 51% of program participants meet low-to-moderate income requirements. Additional points may be awarded to communities that have not received a CDBG grant in the past five years or if a portion of the local match comes from private sources. The deadline for submitting applications for the Sidewalks and Trails Grant Program is November 1, 2024. Interested parties should ensure that their applications are complete and submitted by this date to be considered for funding. For further information, applicants can contact Ginny Eardley at the Kansas Department of Commerce via email or phone. In summary, the Sidewalks and Trails Grant Program presents a significant opportunity for Kansas communities to enhance their infrastructure and promote public health through improved accessibility. By understanding the eligibility requirements, funding scope, and evaluation criteria, potential applicants can prepare effective proposals that align with the program's objectives.