U.S. Commerce Department Allocates $5.5 Million to Enhance Kansas’ Agriculture and Electrical Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – In an effort to enhance economic opportunities in Kansas, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced a significant investment by the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). A total of $5.5 million will be directed towards strengthening the state’s agriculture sector and improving electrical infrastructure.
Funding Allocations
The recent EDA funding includes two major allocations:
- The Land Institute in Salina is set to receive $3.2 million to build a new greenhouse and headhouse. This project, aimed at promoting regional perennial grain industry opportunities, is supported by an additional $795,486 from local sources.
- The city of Beloit is awarded $2.3 million for upgrading its electrical substation. This initiative, complemented by $578,140 in local contributions, is projected to create 25 jobs and attract $10 million in private investments.
“The Biden-Harris Administration’s Investing in America Agenda is ensuring that all communities in Kansas and across the country have the resources they need to compete and thrive in today’s economy,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will create new opportunities in the agriculture industry and ensure reliable electrical service in areas recently impacted by natural disasters.”
Cristina Killingsworth, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, emphasized the EDA’s collaboration with local communities to support disaster recovery and resilience. “These projects will help diversify Kansas’ economy and create vital jobs,” she stated.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly expressed her support for the grants, noting their potential to strengthen both the electrical grid and the agricultural sector. “Thanks to these investments from our federal partners, we’re continuing to secure critical resources to support our communities, economy, and infrastructure,” Kelly remarked.
Senator Jerry Moran highlighted the significance of these resources for areas affected by natural disasters, stating, “The Land Institute in Salina and the City of Beloit have both been impacted by natural disasters, and these resources will support ongoing community work to rebuild.” He added that these investments will aid in creating new jobs in rural Kansas by bolstering its electrical infrastructure and agriculture industry.
The successful execution of these projects is attributed to the strategic regional planning led by the North Central Regional Planning Commission (NCRPC). The EDA’s funding supports NCRPC’s efforts to unite public and private sectors in crafting an economic roadmap to strengthen the region’s economy and foster job creation.
This financial support is part of the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023, which allocated $483 million to EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program. These funds are designated for disaster relief and recovery in areas impacted by major disasters declared under the Robert T. Stafford Act due to events such as Hurricanes Ian and Fiona, wildfires, and flooding in 2021 and 2022. For further information, please visit EDA’s Disaster Supplemental webpage.
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