Regional Water Implementation - Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)

The Regional Water Implementation Grant Program is administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce under the Community Development Block Grant program. The initiative is intended to support regional collaboration among water systems in Kansas and improve long-term sustainability for rural communities. The program is aligned with the Kansas Water Plan and is focused on improving both water quantity and water quality through collaborative infrastructure projects. Funding is provided to encourage the consolidation of water systems, expansion of Public Wholesale Water Supply Districts, and coordinated investments that benefit multiple communities. The program specifically emphasizes projects that involve at least two public water supply systems and seeks to strengthen rural economic growth while addressing long-term infrastructure needs. The program is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and governed by federal regulations under 24 CFR Part 570, Subpart I. Eligible projects include consolidation of two or more water systems into a single governing entity, creation or expansion of a Public Wholesale Water Supply District, and projects benefiting at least two primary public water supply systems that are not currently connected. Secondary systems may also benefit from funded projects if they purchase treated water from a primary system and are indirectly served by the improvements. Allowable uses of funds include infrastructure development activities as well as professional services such as engineering, architecture, and post-award grant administration. The maximum grant award is $2,000,000, with an estimated one to two awards anticipated during the funding cycle. Applicants are required to provide matching funds equal to 50 percent of the total CDBG grant request. At least 10 percent of the matching contribution must consist of cash from a local source such as municipal funds or owner equity. Matching funds may originate from bank loans, industrial revenue bonds, grants from other federal programs such as USDA Rural Development or KDHE, local government contributions, or private sources. In-kind contributions may be included but cannot exceed 10 percent of the local match. Any costs incurred before the grant award are not eligible for reimbursement and cannot be counted toward matching requirements. This restriction includes engineering studies, application preparation expenses, and property acquisition activities completed before award issuance. Eligibility is limited to non-entitlement Kansas cities and counties that qualify for the State CDBG program. Entitlement communities including Kansas City, Lawrence, Leavenworth, Manhattan, Overland Park, Topeka, Wichita, and all of Johnson County are not eligible. Communities with open projects currently under a time extension are also ineligible until prior projects are successfully closed. Projects must meet a national CDBG objective, specifically benefiting low- and moderate-income residents. At least 51 percent of beneficiaries must qualify as low- and moderate-income under HUD standards. Applicants may demonstrate compliance using HUD census data or an approved income survey methodology. In addition, applicants must complete a pre-application process and obtain approval from the Kansas Department of Commerce before submitting a full application. The application process includes several required stages and documentation components. Applicants must first hold an initial public hearing within specified timing requirements, secure matching funds, complete a Preliminary Engineering Report or Preliminary Architectural Report, and procure professional services according to CDBG procurement standards. Required submission materials include a project budget form, assurances and certifications, governing body resolution, environmental determination form, letters of support, target area maps, anti-displacement plan, BABA worksheet, engineering reports, and any applicable interlocal agreements. The application portal is hosted online through the Kansas Commerce grants platform. Applications that are incomplete or missing required documentation will not be reviewed or scored. Applicants must also complete a post-award environmental review process before beginning project activities. Applications are evaluated using a 100-point scoring system based on project need, project alternatives, past efforts to address community needs, project readiness, project impact, and optional bonus points. The highest weighted category is project need, which accounts for up to 40 points and measures urgency, regulatory concerns, and impact on the region. Additional points are awarded for readiness to proceed, financial analysis of alternatives, and sustainability impacts on low- and moderate-income populations. Bonus points may be awarded to applicants that have not received qualifying CDBG funding within the past five years or that provide sufficient levels of private matching support. Applications are reviewed as received during the funding period, and award letters are generally issued within 20 to 30 days after the submission deadline. For the 2026 funding cycle, applications are accepted from March 2, 2026 through October 16, 2026, with submissions due by 11:59 PM Central Time on the closing date. The program operates on a three-year timeline in which environmental review and design activities generally occur during the first year and physical construction activities occur during the second year. Applicants are required to submit a pre-application by September 15, 2026, and only approved pre-applications may proceed to the full application stage. Questions regarding the program may be directed to the Kansas Department of Commerce Community Development Block Grant team at CDBG@ks.gov or by phone at 785-296-3481. Additional program-specific assistance may be obtained through Andrew Hayman or Jason Teal as listed in the program materials.

Document project urgency with quantitative evidence and regulatory concerns. Demonstrate strong readiness including secured matching funds and completed engineering documentation. Provide detailed financial analysis of alternative solutions and clearly explain why the selected approach is preferred. Strengthen applications with leverage commitments and documentation supporting sustainability impacts for low- and moderate-income communities.