Regional Water Implementation - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Regional Water Implementation Grant Program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) initiative. It is designed to strengthen regional collaboration among water systems in rural Kansas. This program supports consolidation efforts and encourages the creation or expansion of Public Wholesale Water Supply Districts (PWWSDs), aiming to improve water infrastructure through cooperative, multi-community approaches aligned with the Kansas Water Plan. The 2025 program allocates $2,000,000 in funding with a maximum of $2,000,000 available per award. Eligible uses of funds include construction or renovation of water and sewer infrastructure (like water towers, treatment plants, lagoons, and water meters), engineering design and fees, and administrative costs (up to 12.5% of the grant or $35,000, whichever is less). Projects must involve the consolidation of two or more water systems under a single governing body, or benefit at least two unconnected Primary Water Systems. Applicants must be incorporated cities or counties in Kansas that do not receive annual CDBG entitlement allocations from HUD. Ineligible communities include major cities like Kansas City, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County. The program requires a minimum 50% match of the requested grant amount, with at least 10% in local cash contributions. Matching funds must be secured at the time of application and can come from private or public sources, such as bank loans, owner equity, or local government contributions. Applications are accepted from May 1 through November 14, 2025. However, applicants must submit a pre-application by October 14, 2025, to verify eligibility and alignment with program goals. Only those who complete the pre-application and receive approval can submit a full application. Additional required documents include a Preliminary Engineering or Architectural Report, community needs narrative, environmental review forms, and proof of public hearings. Two public hearings are required—an initial one at least 15 days before the application submission and a close-out hearing at project conclusion. Projects must meet the CDBG national objective of benefiting at least 51% low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents. Applicants can use HUD census data or a CDBG-approved income survey to establish this. A numerical scoring system is used to evaluate proposals based on project need, readiness, impact, sustainability, and matching funds. Up to 10 bonus points are available to applicants who haven't received similar CDBG funding in the past five years or who provide private match contributions. For more information, applicants can contact Ginny Eardley, CDBG Specialist, at Ginny.M.Eardley@ks.gov or call (785) 230-6319. The program guidelines and pre-application form are available on the Kansas Commerce website. All program materials must be submitted through the online portal.

Projects not funded in past 5 years get bonus. Meet with state agencies early. KDHE covers feasibility study.