This week’s edition of the Office of Recovery Newsletter features the Kansas Homeowners Assistance Fund (KHAF) that was launched this week by the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC). This program provides mortgage and utility assistance to Kansas households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Also featured is an update on the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) program. The BASE grant program offers matching funds to address economic development opportunities to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, 35 infrastructure development projects were awarded a grant, totaling $100M in funding awarded. 

Also included is an article highlighting information and resources that can help Non-Entitlement Units (NEUs) of local government navigate the US Treasury Reporting Portal to submit the first ARPA funding Project and Expenditure Report by the April 30, 2022, deadline. 

For the latest updates on the SPARK process and information about resources available to Kansans, see the “Updates to Services and Support” section of this newsletter. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Office of Recovery website at: COVID.ks.gov  

Kansas Housing Launches Mortgage Relief Program 

Today, Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) launched the Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund (KHAF), providing mortgage and utility assistance to Kansas households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Since the beginning of the pandemic, we’ve provided more than $190 million in assistance to keep Kansans stably housed and connected to vital services,” said Ryan Vincent, Executive Director of Kansas Housing. “We’re so pleased to extend that support to homeowners with KHAF. We know that the economic impact of the pandemic is far from over, and these dollars will be vital in ensuring Kansans can remain in their homes.” 

Households earning up to 150 percent of their area’s median income are eligible to apply. For example, a family of four living in Lyon County could earn up to $97,650 to qualify for assistance. Eligible hardship must include a reduction in income or increase in living expenses associated with the pandemic. 

Applications are accepted online, and assistance is paid directly to the lender or service provider. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $35,000 in mortgage assistance and up to $10,000 in property charge and utility assistance. 

The KHAF program was developed in consultation with housing stakeholders and community members through a public feedback process. The program will operate until the state’s $56.6 million KHAF allocation is fully expended. Homeowners are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure that they receive assistance in a timely manner. Applicants may check the status of their application at any time by logging in to the KHAF portal. 

To learn more and apply, visit http://kshousingcorp.org/kansas-homeowner-assistance-fund/ 

Governor Laura Kelly Announces Infrastructure Project Funding Grant Awardees 

Governor Laura Kelly recently announced that $100 million is going toward 35 infrastructure investment projects associated with economic development across the state. This funding is made available through the Building a Stronger Economy (BASE) grant program. 

"The BASE program is vital to enhancing Kansas' economic competitiveness," Governor Laura Kelly said. "These grants provide essential funding to our local communities, positioning them to succeed and be a place of continued economic growth." 

As approved by the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee, the BASE grant program offers matching funds to address economic development opportunities to expand the state's base of businesses and residents to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SPARK Executive Committee allocated $100 million in COVID-19 relief funds to the BASE program. 

"For our state to grow and businesses to flourish, we need a strong economic foundation in communities across Kansas," Senate President Ty Masterson said. "I believe that building that foundation requires strong tax and economic policies. SPARK appropriated funds for these BASE grants because they offer unique opportunities to strengthen those foundations and build a prosperous future for all Kansans."  

County and local governments, Economic Development Organizations, local Chambers of Commerce, and other stakeholders were eligible to apply for a BASE grant. There is a minimum 25% applicant match requirement. In addition, applicants were required to document how the project was delayed or affected negatively due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting negative economic conditions. The Department of Commerce received 446 applications totaling $1.8 billion in requested funds, demonstrating the vast need across the state.  

"SPARK is prioritizing investments that will create long-term systemic impacts for Kansans," House Speaker Ron Ryckman said. "These BASE grants will do just that by modernizing economic infrastructure in communities across our state to foster future growth." 

In addition to funds awarded, the BASE program has generated $889.6 million in matching investments by public and private stakeholders for awarded projects.  

Projects selected must be completed within two years of the award date. Awardees will be provided with 50% of award allocation in 2022. The remaining 50% of funding will be provided no earlier than January 2023. 

"The BASE grants provide critical support for transformational economic development projects across Kansas and will be a huge boost to local economies," Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. "Working in partnership with local leaders enhances the long-term sustainability of the projects and ensures that these targeted dollars will fit the specific needs of each community and their plans for future growth." 

For a list of BASE grant recipients and more information about the program, click here. 

ARPA Project and Expenditure Report Deadline April 30, 2022 

As a reminder, all local governments that accepted funding through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are required to submit the first Project and Expenditure Report to the US Treasury by the deadline of April 30, 2022.   

The US Treasury Login.gov Reference Guide provides step-by-step instructions on accessing and navigating the login and reporting process. Also available is the Project and Expenditure Report User Guide that details how to create and submit a report. You can also watch recordings of technical assistance webinars hosted by the US Treasury that provide step-by-step instructions on topics related to ARPA reporting here. 

If you have any ARPA reporting questions such as the identity of the Authorized Representative or Point of Contact (POC), need signed awards documents (to include budget documentation) or have project and expenditure report questions, reach out to the Office of Recovery using the CONTACT US link on the Office of Recovery website.   

For issues relating to reporting portal access, changing the Authorized Representative to access the portal or general reporting portal troubleshooting, e-mail the US Treasury directly at SLFRP@treasury.gov or by calling the Treasury call center at 844-529-9527. Reporting resources and technical assistance webinars released by Treasury can be found here. 

If you update the Authorized Representative with Treasury, please also notify the Office of Recovery using the CONTACT US link to continue receiving resources and information from the Office of Recovery.   

Stay Informed on the SPARK Process 

The four SPARK Advisory Panels (Connectivity, Economic Revitalization, Efficiency and Modernization and Health and Education) presented investment recommendations for the distribution of discretionary American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to the SPARK Executive Committee during meetings on April 15 and April 18. The Executive Committee will consider these panel recommendations before finalizing its own recommendations and sending them to the State Finance Council, which has final authority on investment decisions.   

All Advisory Panel meeting materials and recordings can be found on our website: Advisory Panels Materials. SPARK Executive Committee meeting recordings and materials, including the recommendation materials presented by the Advisory Panels, are available at: SPARK Materials. 

Share your Story with the RO 

The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) has allocated funding to each Non-Entitlement Unit (NEU) in Kansas that is meant to help cities recover from the impacts of COVID-19. These funds can be used to fit the unique needs of each city, and cities across Kansas are using their funds in creative and impactful ways. Do you already have a plan for your city’s funding? Let us know by using the Contact Us form in the top right-hand corner of the RO website and your city could be featured in a future RO newsletter.