Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today the recipients of the $1.5 million that was available for the fifth round of Historic Economic Asset Lifeline (HEAL) grants to revitalize dilapidated and underutilized downtown buildings in small communities across the state. These grants help close the financial gaps for communities striving to make their downtown districts economically vibrant.

Since Commerce launched the program in 2021, nearly $5 million has been awarded to fund 87 different community projects throughout Kansas.

“In order to succeed, brick and mortar businesses need the brick and mortar – and all the parts of their building – to be in good condition,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “With $20 billion of new private investment pushing into all parts of Kansas, HEAL grants give communities a chance to create their own momentum, turning downtown buildings that were once storage or pigeon roosts into stores, coffee shops and upper floor lofts.”

The HEAL grant helps communities to revitalize downtown buildings as spaces for new or expanding businesses, housing, arts and culture, civic engagement, childcare or entrepreneurial activities.

Submitted projects must show potential to be economic drivers in the community and demonstrate that the space will be occupied by the end of the project.

Awarded in this round from the area include:

Frosty’s Family Fun in Hugoton with an award of $100,000.00.