Several southeast Kansas communites will receive funding from the state of Kansas to help revitalize their downtown areas.

 Governor Laura Kelly announced Wednesday that a total of 21 projects acorss the state will receive almost $1.4 million along with another $3.4million in private local matching funds.

In southeast Kansas, Girard Main Street will receive $10,000 and the Chanute Regional Development Authority will get $50,000. The cities of Columbus and Parsons plus the Independence Chamber of Commerce will all receive $100,000. The money comes as a part of the Historic Economic Asset Lifeline or HEAL grant program and is to be used on projects like upper-story housing, child care facilities, retail businesses, and restaurants. The projects are to be completed within two years.