The Kansas Department of Commerce announced today that Harveyville, a community of almost 300 people in Wabaunsee County, has received a $245, 747 Urgent Need Grant, which is funding available within the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
The funding will be used to replace or repair storm damaged items related to the community’s wastewater treatment system, including replacing the pump house building, alarm dialer and lagoon rip rap, as well as repairing the lagoon perimeter fencing and pump house security fencing. Some of the funding will be used for removing storm debris.
The community was hit by an EF-2 tornado on Feb. 28. Approximately 40 percent of Harveyville’s buildings had significant damage. Thirteen people were injured, and one died.
“I’m glad that Urgent Needs funds were available to assist Harveyville in making critical repairs to its infrastructure,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. “This funding exists to help small communities recover from unforeseen disasters.”
Urgent Need Grants address an immediate threat to health or safety resulting from a sudden and severe emergency. These awards assist in meeting community needs created by a severe natural or other disaster. The need must be certified by the state agency that has regulatory oversight.
Applications are reviewed on an as-needed basis throughout the year. The maximum amount awarded is $400,000 per grant. Applications must be received within six months of the disaster’s occurrence.
