KANSAS RURAL PRESERVATION GRANT 

The Kansas Rural Preservation program will provide grants to owners of historic properties in rural Kansas communities. This sub-grant program was funded in 2020 through a $500,000 grant to the Kansas Historical Society from the Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grants Program, administered by the National Park Service.

If you would like to learn more about this grant opportunity, please refer to our program basics handout.

Grant Workshop

SHPO staff members will offer a workshop specific to this program at 1 p.m. December 17, 2020. They will discuss the application process, approaches to writing the application, and answer questions about the program. Register now for this workshop.

2021 Grant Round Information

Please read the program information carefully before filling out the application form.

As part of the application, you will need to read, sign and attach the three-page assurances document.

Applications are due by 11:59 PM CST on March 1, 2021.

BROWNFIELDS   
Brownfields are real property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. Often the potential liability associated with contamination complicates business development, property transactions, or expansion on these properties. Cleaning up and redeveloping brownfields properties is necessary to preserve neighborhoods, reduce urban sprawl, and stop the continued development of new industrial and commercial facilities on farmland. By investigating and cleaning up a brownfields property and taking care of the site's potential health or environmental risks, communities can use local land again - producing jobs, increasing the tax base, or adding other benefits such as creating a park or residential area. 

For more information visit: Kansas Department of Health and Environment
 
INDUSTRIAL REVENUE BONDS 
Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs) are among the most popular and cost-effective methods of financing up to 100 percent of a new or growing business’ land, buildings and equipment. In Kansas, IRBs are issued by cities and counties. Proceeds from the sale of the bonds to private investors are made available to enable companies to purchase land and pay the costs of constructing and equipping new facilities or the costs of acquiring, remodeling and expanding existing facilities. 
 
For more information visit: Kansas Department of Commerce 
 
STAR BONDS 
Sales Tax Revenue (STAR) Bonds provide Kansas municipalities the opportunity to issue bonds to finance the development of major commercial, entertainment and tourism areas and use the sales tax revenue generated by the development to pay off the bonds. 
 
For more information visit: Kansas Department of Commerce 
  
HISTORICAL TAX CREDITS
Historical tax credits are available for state and federal income taxes through the State Historic Preservation Office. Federal tax credits must be applied for prior to beginning work on the property. Both federal and state credits are only available for properties listed as “contributing” to the Downtown Historic District. 
 
For more information visit: Kansas Historical Society  
  
HERITAGE TRUST FUND
Competitive historic grant program through the State Historic Preservation Office for properties that are listed as “contributing” to the Downtown Historic District. Grant deadline is in November. 
 
For more information visit: Kansas Historical Society
 
CDBG DOWNTOWN COMMERICAL REHABILITATION GRANT 
Competitive grant through the State Department of Commerce to assist downtown building owners in the rehabilitation of blighted structures. A specific for-profit business operation must locate in the building. Deadlines are in February and August. Grant writing services available through SEKRPC. 
 
For more information visit: Kansas Department of Commerce 
  
HISTORIC PRESERVATION PARTNERS (HPP)
Competitive grant program to assist in the stabilization and rehabilitation of historic properties. The maximum amount for a single project is $15,000. Applications are accepted semi-annually on March 1 and October 1. 
 
For more information visit: Historic Preservation Partners