WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) -- chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, (CJS) and Related Agencies – announced that the Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $2 million in CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants to five EDA Economic Development District organizations across Kansas to update economic development plans and fortify programs to assist communities in responding to the coronavirus pandemic.

“In my role as chairman of the CJS committee, I support the ongoing and critical mission of the EDA to assist the economic activity of our communities, especially during this pandemic,” said U.S. Senator Jerry Moran. “These grants are an investment into small businesses that support local jobs and provide invaluable resources to many communities across the region.”

“The Trump Administration is eager to allocate these essential CARES Act funds and deliver on our promise to help American communities recover from the impact of COVID-19,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “I am proud of the perseverance and strength shown by our communities coast to coast throughout this pandemic, and these funds will help provide Kansas with resources to make a swift and lasting economic comeback.” 

The EDA investments are:

• North Central Regional Planning Commission in Beloit will receive a $400,000 grant to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by hiring a full-time regional disaster recovery coordinator and working with local partners to provide remote and on-site technical assistance training to local businesses as part of an effort to boost the region's economy.

• Northwest Kansas Planning & Development Commission in Hill City will receive a $400,000 grant to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by fostering a growing, diversified, stable economy and business climate that helps create above-average paying jobs while retaining and expanding existing businesses. Efforts include supporting business entrepreneurship; increased utilization and value of raw products produced in Northwest Kansas through value-added processes and funding for such businesses; and opportunities that expand technology and electronic data transfer.

• South Central Kansas Economic Development District (SCKEDD) in Bel Aire will receive a $399,997 grant to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by enhancing SCKEDD’s capacity to collaborate strategically with community stakeholders and regional peer economic development organizations, as well as state and federal partners.

• Flint Hills Regional Council in Fort Riley will receive a $399,886 grant to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by coordinating recovery, resilience planning and implementing these efforts throughout the region.

• Southeast Kansas Regional Planning Commission in Chanute will receive a $350,000 grant to respond to the coronavirus pandemic by working to diversify the region’s economy; implementing strategies and educational opportunities to grow the critical manufacturing sector; hiring additional staff; and supporting workforce needs.

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