Several area communities will share in a part of $22 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) from the Kansas Department of Commerce.

Through the grant program the City of Coffeyville will receive $700,000 for the water and sewer department, while Independence was awarded $637,000 for use on community facilities. Neodesha also received a $750,000 grant for economic development. Each grant will require some level of matching funds from the community.

“These investments demonstrate the power of partnership between local communities, the State of Kansas and federal resources,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Through CDBG, rural communities are able to tackle otherwise unaffordable projects that strengthen infrastructure, expand childcare, improve housing and enhance quality of life for Kansans.”