Kansas Grants Boost Quality of Life in Topeka-Area Towns

Lt. Governor presents funding for community development projects

Mar. 13, 2026 at 9:18am

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Several towns near Topeka, Kansas have received state grant funding through the Community Development Block Grant program. The grants will be used to invest in local infrastructure and improve quality of life for residents, according to Lt. Governor David Toland.

Why it matters

These grants aim to support the basic needs and quality of life for residents in smaller Kansas communities, which often struggle to fund critical infrastructure projects on their own. Investing in things like water, sewer, and other utilities helps ensure these towns remain livable and attractive places for people to live.

The details

The grant funding will be used by the recipient towns for a variety of community development projects, such as upgrading water and sewer systems, improving roads and sidewalks, and enhancing public spaces. While not the most glamorous uses, Lt. Governor Toland emphasized the importance of maintaining this "not very sexy infrastructure" that underpins daily life for residents.

  • On March 13, 2026, Lt. Governor David Toland presented ceremonial checks to the grant recipient towns.

The players

David Toland

The Lieutenant Governor of Kansas who presented the grant funding to the recipient towns.

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What they’re saying

“not very sexy infrastructure, but most of us probably woke up this morning and brushed our teeth or took a shower — and that happens because we have the infrastructure, and it's important that we remember that.”

— David Toland, Lieutenant Governor of Kansas

The takeaway

These grants demonstrate Kansas' commitment to supporting the basic needs and quality of life for residents in smaller communities, recognizing that investment in core infrastructure is essential for towns to remain livable and attractive places to call home.