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Project Spotlight: City of Hope Improves Water Distribution System

Image of City of Hope water tower

A project to improve the water distribution system in the southern Dickinson County City of Hope was completed earlier this year. New waterlines were installed and the water tower was painted and repaired.

Having a safe and dependable water system is necessary for any community. The City of Hope recently completed a project to improve its water distribution system that will benefit current and future residents for many years.

Like many rural communities across Kansas, the City of Hope was faced with an aging water distribution system. The original system in Hope was made up of cast iron pipe that was installed in 1916. Improvements had been made over the years as needed. However, maintenance was becoming increasingly difficult and expensive due to the age and condition of the system. Line breaks were frequent and water loss high.

Recognizing the substantial cost involved with replacing the existing cast iron water mains, the city explored possibilities for funding assistance. In 2018, the city was awarded a $600,000 grant through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). The CDBG program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The city also provided a substantial project match of nearly $1.2 million, which it secured through a USDA Rural Development loan.

The project included the installation of approximately 23,200 lineal feet of new PVC water mains, 5,600 lineal feet of water service lines, as well as new valves, fire hydrants, and an updated metering system. Water tower painting and upgrades were also completed.

NCRPC staff provided project planning assistance and administration. Other key partners involved with the project include general contractor J & K Construction LLC and project engineer BG Consultants, Inc.

Since project completion earlier this year, the city has experienced lower water loss and fewer issues. “It has been a positive change and it was way overdue,” Mayor Larry Ryff said. “The community seems very thankful and happy that there has been less interruptions with the new system.”

Ryff has advice for other communities considering options for their own water improvement projects. “You definitely need determination and patience with the process,” Ryff said. “Infrastructure is a very important component to any community.”

For more information about the funding sources used for this project or to discuss a project funding need, contact the NCRPC Community Development staff.

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas. The Project Spotlight series features projects around the region to share ways communities have solved challenges. To view more Project Spotlights, visit https://www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight/.

This article appeared in the November 2020 NCRPC Newsletter.


Planning Key to Project Success

Communities Considering CDBG Water/Sewer Applications Should Begin Planning Now

Project planning is essential for funding success. Communities with water or sewer project needs that are considering an application to the Community Development Block Grant program should start planning now for next year’s funding round.

Beginning with the FY 2021 competitive round of funding due this fall, all water and sewer projects over $3 million total cost must have final design plans and specs submitted to KDHE before the application deadline. This new guideline could add to the timeline for applying.

“Cities will need to be in communication with their engineers much earlier on in the process in order to get the design submitted to KDHE before applying for CDBG grants in the fall,” Amanda Horn, NCRPC Community Development Specialist, said. “Our advice would be to get in touch with us and the engineers as soon as possible if they have any water or sewer needs for the FY2022 year to start the process for full Preliminary Engineering Report and design.”

The NCRPC staff can also help cities determine if they meet Low-to-Moderate Income (LMI) eligibility criteria, discuss potential funding options, procure an engineer if needed, and make an informed decision when the time is right. Examples of eligible activities for the water and sewer funding category include water distribution systems, sewer systems, lagoons, wastewater treatment plants, and water treatment plants.

All applicants for water or sewer grants must also meet with the Kansas Interagency Advisory Committee (KIAC) prior to the application due date. These meetings can fill quickly — another reason for early planning.

To learn more, visit Kansas Department of Commerce or contact Amanda Horn or Emily Benedick at the NCRPC to discuss your project needs.

This article appeared in the July 2020 NCRPC Newsletter.


Project Spotlight: Historic Salina Depot Restored

restored depot

NCRPC administered a CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation project that helped restore a former depot located at 356 N. Santa Fe in Salina.

A historic Missouri Pacific Depot in downtown Salina has been restored. The unique limestone building, which had been vacant for several years, now functions as professional office space.

The former depot was originally constructed in 1887 and had not had a significant upgrade in over 50 years. Salina Office Station, LLC purchased the building in 2017 with the intent of updating it for office space.

The restoration was the result of many partners working together. The City of Salina received a $250,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the Kansas Department of Commerce for the Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation Project. The building’s owners, Salina Office Station, LLC, provided more than $110,000 in matching funds to make needed repairs to the building. NCRPC staff provided project planning assistance and administration.

“This project was able to bring an empty historic building in the downtown area back to life,” NCRPC Community Development Specialist Nichole McDaniel said. “It is an example of a successful project with multiple partners.”

The purpose of the CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation Program is to help cities improve the quality of their downtown commercial districts by assisting private property owners in the rehabilitation of blighted buildings.

“As owners of the former Salina MOPAC freight depot, we were fortunate to qualify for participation in the CDBG Commercial Rehabilitation program as administered by the NCRPC,” Ken Bieberly, one of three owners of Salina Office Station, LLC, said. “The grant provided funds for the remodeling that made the project economically feasible and historically correct.”

The project included upgrading and preserving the historic exterior and meeting ADA interior compliance requirements. The newly renovated former depot, now named Salina Office Station, includes four professional office rental spaces.

Other key partners involved with the project include general contractor Ry-Co Inc. and project architect Warren Ediger.

There is an open window for communities to submit applications for the CDBG Downtown Commercial Rehabilitation program each year. For more information, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg or contact the NCRPC office to visit with a staff member about your project needs.

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas. The Project Spotlight series features projects around the region to share ways communities have solved challenges. To view more Project Spotlights, visit https://www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight/.

This article appeared in the January 2020 NCRPC Newsletter.


Project Spotlight: Mankato Housing

Photo of downtown Mankato apartment

Renovation of four loft apartments in downtown Mankato was included in one of the city’s recent housing projects.

Long-time City of Mankato Mayor Don Koester credits a strategic planning meeting 16 years ago with helping the community chart a course to address its housing needs.

“We asked the community what needed to be done,” Koester said. “As a council, we took the ideas and tried to prioritize the biggest needs.”

That meeting was in his first year as mayor and he continues to serve in that role. Housing was among the list of priorities identified.

The community received a boost when it was awarded funds in 2005 through the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The funding was part of a Comprehensive Development project that included construction of a new multi-purpose community building, park and street improvements, and housing demolition and rehabilitation. The Comprehensive Development Program is no longer offered.

“The housing in that first project was targeted right around the community center,” Koester said. “It made a small area so you could see a big impact. It was very successful.”

The city has since received funding for two additional housing rehabilitation projects through the CDBG Program. In total, the projects have helped rehabilitate 28 homes and demolish 18 dilapidated units.

“Our work is not complete with housing, but it is certainly going in the right direction,” Koester said. “If you can rehabilitate a house and stop it from going downhill, you keep it a viable housing unit for your community. You can stop that cycle of decline.”

The city is now in the process of deciding next steps to address some infrastructure needs.

“Infrastructure goes together with housing,” Koester said. “We are trying to look at things at a big scale for more years knowing that we will enhance what is there (housing) by what we do next.”

NCRPC Housing Director Carol Torkelson has administered all three housing projects in Mankato and credits the community for putting in the work to address housing.

“The City of Mankato committed to saving the existing housing stock and removing dilapidated structures,” Torkelson said. “It is something they could bring to their citizens at minimal cost to the city.”

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas. The Project Spotlight series features projects around the region to share ways communities have solved challenges. To view more Project Spotlights, visit https://www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight/.

This article appeared in the September 2019 NCRPC Newsletter.


Two Communities Awarded CDBG Special Funding for Pool Projects

Two communities in the region were recently awarded funding that will help them replace their city swimming pools.

The funding comes from the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The latest round of CDBG grants that were awarded to 11 communities across Kansas were part of a special series of funding.

The City of Blue Rapids was awarded $763,411 to demolish the existing pool and construct a zero-entry swimming pool. The city will use $508,942 in bonds for matching funds.

The City of Clyde was awarded $1,000,000 to build a new ADA bathhouse and construct a zero-entry swimming pool. City employees will demolish the existing structure with force account labor estimated at $16,620 and $682,980 in bonds will be used to complete the project.

To be eligible to apply for the CDBG special series, a city had to have a population between 500 and 25,000 and meet the 51% LMI requirements. A minimum match of at least 40% local funds was also required.

The NCRPC assisted with the project development and will provide administration for both projects.

For more information about the CDBG program, visit the website at www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg or contact the NCRPC community development staff.

This article appeared in the July 2019 NCRPC Newsletter.


Project Spotlight: Waterville Drainage

The City of Waterville, a town of approximately 680 people located in Marshall County, was awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to make drainage improvements throughout the city. Although drainage systems are often overlooked by residents and visitors to a community, problems occur when these systems fail.

The recent drainage improvement project in the City of Waterville included this intersection near the historic Waterville Opera House.

The 2017 award of $199,788 came from the Kansas Department of Commerce Small Cities CDBG Program in the Community Facilities category.  The city provided an equal amount in matching funds through City cash. NCRPC Assistant Director Emily Benedick administered the project.

“Utilizing the CDBG funding, as well as local City cash, Waterville made noticeable improvements to their city’s drainage system throughout town,” Benedick said.

The project consisted of replacing 3,420 linear feet of concrete curb and gutter, installing or replacing 10 inlets, installing 2 manholes, installing a flume grate, 18 linear feet of concrete flume and 10 linear feet of trench drain, and installing 413 linear feet of storm sewer. Also included was the installation of 21 ADA concrete curb ramps and 160 square yards of concrete sidewalk. Additional concrete work included replacement of 215 square yards of driveways connected to the curb & gutter and 1,272 square yards of concrete patching to transition between the new curb and the existing street.

Installing or replacing 10 storm inlets were one part of Waterville’s drainage project.

In the planning process, the city’s governing body and staff worked to review areas of need and prioritize those based on their location and impact to citizens and city maintenance programs. Completion of this project addressed the most problematic areas throughout the city’s drainage system.

“The most noticeable change by far is cosmetically speaking,” Waterville Mayor Josh Stoudt said. “The curbs and guttering look great. I would definitely recommend this program and hope to utilize it again in the future for Waterville.”

For more information about the CDBG Program, visit  www.kansascommerce.gov/cdbg or contact the NCRPC Community Development staff.

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas. The Project Spotlight series features projects around the region to share ways communities have solved challenges. To view more Project Spotlights, visit https://www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight/.

This article appeared in the May 2019 NCRPC Newsletter.

 


Communities to Receive Funding for Improvement Projects

Several NCRPC member cities were recently awarded Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to help complete a variety of community improvement projects. The CDBG program is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce.

The City of Assaria was awarded $433,840 to make water distribution improvements. The city will provide $433,840 in matching funds it secured from the Kansas Department of Health & Environment.

The City of Beloit was awarded $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition. A local match of $41,000 is being provided.

The City of Frankfort was awarded $265,656 to complete a street project. USDA Rural Development will contribute $265,657 in matching funds.

The City of Greenleaf was awarded $300,000 for housing rehabilitation and demolition. A local match of $10,750 is being provided.

The City of Tipton was awarded $101,665 to complete a storm drainage project. A local match of $101,665 is being provided.

The City of Washington was awarded $600,000 to make water distribution improvements. The city will provide $7,668,350 in matching funds through loan and grant funding it secured through USDA Rural Development.

To be awarded CDBG funds for a project, local government units must meet at least one of three program objectives: benefit low and moderate-income persons; prevent or eliminate slums and blight; or resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available to do so.

For more information, visit www.kansascommerce.com/cdbg or contact the NCRPC office to discuss project needs.

This article appeared in the March 2019 NCRPC Newsletter.


New LMI Percentages Take Effect in April

 

The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program requires that each CDBG funded activity must either benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons (at least 51% LMI), prevent or eliminate slums or blight, or resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available to do so.

Many CDBG projects benefit LMI persons. If a community does not automatically qualify at 51% LMI based on Census data, it must survey to determine if the service area of a proposed activity meets the LMI criteria.

In February, HUD released new LMI percentages. The effective date for the new data is April 1. That release has created changes for some cities in the region.

“More than a dozen cities now qualify LMI from the Census numbers, which means they no longer would have to survey to apply for CDBG funding,” NCRPC Assistant Director Emily Benedick said.

Any cities that have completed a LMI survey since 2012 can use those surveys until the 2020 Census numbers are released, which may be 2022. For communities considering a project that could involve CDBG funds, Benedick has advice.

**UPDATE April 2019: At the FY2020 CDBG application workshop, it was learned that this funding cycle is the last chance to use LMI surveys completed prior to the new Census numbers taking effect on
April 1, 2019. Any surveys completed using the 2010 Census numbers are no longer eligible to be used after the FY2020 CDBG funding round (this Fall).

“The first step is to call our office to discuss if their project would be CDBG eligible,” Benedick said. “Then we can help them determine if they need to complete an LMI survey and help in that process.”

This article appeared in the March 2019 NCRPC Newsletter.


Project Spotlight: Lincoln Power Plant

A new generator has improved the reliability of the power supply in the City of Lincoln Center.

A basic need of any community is to have steady, reliable electricity. Residents, businesses and visitors all expect and rely upon having electrical power 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

When the City of Lincoln Center was faced with continued problems on its rebuilt electrical power generating engine, the Enterprise, the city knew replacement was the best long-term solution.

The community applied for and was awarded funds from the Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce to assist with the cost of the electrical generation upgrade project. The project used approximately $346,000 in CDBG funds. The city contributed nearly $442,000 in City cash and the issuance of bonds.

The older failing engine was replaced with a newer, more reliable engine that will continue to serve the community for many decades.

According to City of Lincoln Power Plant Foreman Jeff Ahring, it was necessary for the city to upgrade the generator. “Prior to the project, in the event that one of our other generators should malfunction, we would not have been able to provide the entire community with enough power to the grid, and as a result, we would have to initiate a “rolling blackout” until the issue was repaired,” Ahring said. “With the addition of the generator this project provided, we are able to provide the power required.”

Now if an incoming utility fails to provide power to the community, the power plant can restore power to the community in a matter of minutes. Ahring also noted the newer engine is a Tier 2, meaning fewer emissions while the engine is producing energy.

NCRPC Community Development Representative Nichole McDaniel administered the project in Lincoln. “The City of Lincoln has been great to work with on this as well as past improvement projects,” McDaniel said. “The recent power plant project has been able to provide the city with confidence that they can provide reliable power to their community.”

There are many great things happening in North Central Kansas communities. Periodically we plan to feature projects from around the region to share ways communities have solved challenges. To view more Project Spotlights, visit https://www.ncrpc.org/tag/project-spotlight/.

This article appeared in the November 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.


SAM Registration System Reminders

Any entity pursuing government contracts—including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Grantees—must be registered in the System for Award Management (SAM).

In this Federal database at SAM.gov, users can register to do business with the U.S. government, update or renew an entity registration, check status of an entity registration, and search for entity registration and exclusion records. Registration at the official SAM website (www.sam.gov) is free. Do not be confused by look-alike web sites or companies offering to register on your behalf.

Recent changes have been made to enhance system security and deter fraud. SAM.gov has partnered with Login.gov to implement multi-factor authentication for registered SAM.gov users. Effective June 29, 2018, when users go to SAM.gov and log in, they will be asked to create a Login.gov account. During initial Login.gov registration, users will be asked to enter an email address. Be sure to use your existing SAM email address to create the account. Access to a working phone number (mobile or landline) is also needed to register as Login.gov will send a security code.

To learn more about the recent changes occurring with SAM.gov registration, click here.

Remember, there is never a charge to register at SAM.gov. For questions or assistance, contact the community development staff at the NCRPC.

This article appeared in the July 2018 NCRPC Newsletter.


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