Commercial Rehabilitation Program 2024

The Commercial Rehabilitation Program 2024, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is designed to support the rehabilitation of blighted structures owned by private property owners in Kansas. The program aims to enhance the quality of downtown commercial districts by strategically investing in key buildings to prevent the spread of blight to surrounding areas. A total of $2 million has been allocated for this program in 2024, with individual grants capped at $300,000. The deadline for applications is December 2, 2024. The primary purpose of the Commercial Rehabilitation Program is to assist cities in improving their commercial districts by funding projects that rehabilitate blighted structures. The program seeks to act as a catalyst for change, encouraging further investment and revitalization in the area. Eligible projects may include construction costs for building rehabilitation to address code violations, historic preservation efforts, and renovations aimed at job creation. Additionally, funding can be used for exterior improvements, asbestos hazard abatement, and lead-based paint hazard evaluations and reductions. Eligibility for the program is limited to incorporated cities and 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 (HUD). Notably, cities such as Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County are ineligible to apply. Successful applicants will be designated as Grantees. The program requires a matching contribution of 25 percent of the total project cost from the applicant. This matching requirement emphasizes the importance of community investment in the rehabilitation efforts. Applications will be evaluated based on several criteria, including project need, readiness, impact, sustainability, and the availability of matching funds. Key considerations also include the potential for job creation or retention, particularly for low-to-moderate income individuals. Submission requirements for the grant include a detailed project proposal that outlines the intended use of funds, the expected impact on the community, and how the project aligns with the program's objectives. Applicants must also demonstrate their ability to meet the matching fund requirement and provide evidence of community support for the project. The evaluation criteria for applications focus on the alignment of the proposed project with national objectives under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974. Projects that create or retain jobs for individuals meeting HUD's low-to-moderate income requirements will be prioritized. The application process is competitive, and only projects that meet the established criteria will be funded. Important dates for the program include the application deadline of December 2, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out to Timothy Parks at the Kansas Department of Commerce for further information or clarification regarding the application process. He can be contacted via email at tim.parks@ks.gov or by phone at (785) 480-8072.