Critical infrastructure in Kansas will receive significant monetary support through 2027, with $200 million approved for the use of projects across the state. These funds are made available through the Kansas Legislature for use as the nonfederal match on federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grant programs.
Approximately $28.5 million has already been utilized, with $20 million allocated for the Dodge City Wastewater Reuse via Managed Aquifer Recharge project, supported by Burns & McDonnell. So far, 65 projects across the state have been approved through the Build Kansas Fund, with only 23 projects receiving the federal award and thus taking advantage of the Build Kansas Fund match dollars.
Every entity in Kansas that applies for federal grant funding should explore the use of Build Kansas Fund money and apply for the program, if eligible. The Kansas Infrastructure Hub and Build Kansas Fund provide a strategic advantage for Kansas communities to compete for federal discretionary grant funding.
How to Use the Build Kansas Fund
The Build Kansas Fund is an invaluable resource for those looking to submit a federal grant application. Projects that are pursing federal grant funding through a Bipartisan Infrastructure Law program are eligible for the Build Kansas Fund and are encouraged to apply via the application on the Kansas Infrastructure Hub website in advance of the due date for the federal program application.
Federal grant programs typically provide 80% of the funding for a project, with the remaining 20% to come from a match that cannot include federal money. Every program is different and each Notice of Funding Opportunity will describe the cost-share rules. The Build Kansas Fund expects, but does not require, applicants to contribute 5% to the nonfederal match — a local contribution equal to only 1% of the total. For example, for a $1 million project application to a federal grant program that uses an 80/20 match, the local applicant would only need to commit $10,000.
For applicants who are approved for the Build Kansas Fund match, it is critical to include that information on the federal application, specifically in the project budget, to demonstrate strong state support for the project. Projects that can demonstrate support for critical infrastructure serving Kansas communities have an improved chance of receiving these funds. More specifically, projects that are mature and well-developed, promote safety, improve the community or reduce environmental impacts are all prime candidates for being granted funding.
Several federal programs, including the WaterSMART program that was successfully leveraged by Dodge City, specifically identify Kansas as an eligible state for the program due to water capacity concerns. Other federal programs provide set-aside funding for rural communities, which means rural communities in Kansas would only be competing against other rural communities for a pool of federal dollars.
The Build Kansas Fund is intended for various critical infrastructure sectors including water, transportation, energy, broadband, cybersecurity and resilience. Ultimately, an advisory committee of Kansas legislators approves or rejects projects for Build Kansas Fund match money. For water projects, projects that focus on improvements to existing facilities, development of new systems or maintenance of sustainable water management are in optimal positions to receive funding.
Transportation projects that involve upgrading infrastructure to improve safety and efficiency, improve economic development, expand or enhance public transport options, or create safe and accessible pathways for nonmotorized transportation could all be competitive for funding. Many federal surface transportation programs also prioritize projects that reduce emissions and promote sustainability and create or support high-quality jobs. Several cities in Kansas were approved for Build Kansas Funding for applications to the Safe Streets and Roads for All program, which has more than $5 billion available from 2022 through 2026. Grant applications, regardless of sector, must demonstrate a clear, well-considered solution to a community challenge being faced.
Writing a Successful Grant Application
When preparing a grant application, it’s important to thoroughly understand the grant requirements and specific guidelines to see that the proposal aligns with the Build Kansas Fund and federal grant program priorities.
The grant application should clearly indicate how money from the Build Kansas Fund will be used as a nonfederal match to demonstrate local commitment and an impactful investment. The challenge the project addresses should also be precisely outlined within the application. Demonstrating clear communication, with data and compelling narratives, helps to showcase the urgency and relevance of the project.
The project plan within the application should be well-developed. Projects that have received preliminary engineering or even have advanced significantly in design are viable for federal grant funding. The further along a project is, the more reliable the cost estimates are, which is critical for the success of an application. Grant applications require budget estimates, and if a project goes over budget the federal awarding agency will not provide more than was initially requested, so that risk is fully assumed by the applicant. A project team’s credibility is further established by providing a detailed project description, including project team members, methods and a timeline. Additionally, a well-structured budget should be incorporated into the application to outline all expected expenses and detail how funds will be allocated.
Most federal grant programs ask about the applicant’s ability to deliver the project. Being able to cite specific examples of similar projects, or the ability to use an innovative project delivery method, can be a difference-maker in federal grant applications. Projects that can demonstrate significant community support via robust public engagement are also preferred by awarding agencies. Agencies want to know that the applicant can successfully deliver a project that is supported by a wide-ranging cross-section of community members, including historically disadvantaged residents, the business community and elected officials.
Hiring a strategic adviser to align projects with potential grant opportunities and develop grant is valuable in helping navigate the funding process. Having an experienced grant proposal team involved in creating a grant application provides crucial insights by conducting all the necessary research and writing the content key to demonstrating a team’s goal and vision for the project.
The Build Kansas Fund represents a tremendous opportunity for Kansas communities to secure essential funding for critical infrastructure projects. The state government is motivated to seeing federal funding used on Kansas projects, and the fund is helping make Kansas an even more attractive place for grant-funded projects.
Determining clear project goals and a strategic vision are often the first steps to securing federal grant funding. Learn more about successfully navigating the grant application process.