2/3/2009

TOPEKA — Several north-central and northwest Kansas communities are among seven in rural Kansas to share $500,000 in Small Communities Improvement Program funding from the Kansas Department of Commerce, officials announced Tuesday. The program is designed to assist communities with populations of 5,000 or less. Communities apply for funds and determine which parts of the project they can complete on their own. The community acts as the general contractor. The program provides direction, technical assistance, guidance and support. Self-help and volunteerism must produce savings of at least 40 percent of the project’s marketplace price. The central and northwest Kansas cities receiving grant awards, and their projects, include: n Wamego, $100,000 for the City Park Train Enhancement Project. The project includes a new shelter house with restrooms and an area to house the train during inclement weather, new track and a new train with an ADA-compliant car. The city will provide at least $104,200 in labor and materials. n Sharon Springs, $54,000 for revitalization of the city’s only park. Outdated playground equipment will be demolished and a new playground and new shelter houses, year-round restroom facilities, a lighted walking/biking path, exercise stations and other amenities will be constructed. The city will provide at least $37,485 in labor and materials. n Smith Center, $62,000 for a new playground in the city park. The project includes removal of the existing 22-year-old wooden equipment and replacement with ADA-approved equipment. The city will provide at least $43,314 in labor and materials.