(MSC News)--Several local area communities are named as being among the newest award recipients through the Strategic Economic Expansion and Development grant program, known as SEED.

According to a joint release from the Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce, a total of 13 recipients will receive nearly $275,000 to invest in small communities across Kansas.

The release explains that awardees are located in communities with a population of 5,000 or less, as required by state statute, with the recipients required to provide a minimum 10-percent match as well as complete the projects within 12 months. Projects must be focused on economic development and revitalization efforts through one of four quality-of-life categories, including childcare and senior programming, community vibrancy, food retail, and libraries.

Named as a recipient in the childcare and senior programming category is Doniphan Darlings, Inc., located in Highland, with the childcare facility to receive an award of $22,189.

A Marshall County organization earns an award in the community vibrancy division, defined as projects that refresh, re-energize and unlock the attractiveness of rural communities, such as art installations, murals and signage. Blue Rapids Community Action is named to receive a grant award of $12,085.

The Nemaha County community of Sabetha will benefit in the library category, with the release saying that the Mary Cotton Public Library will receive an award of $25,000.

Funding for the SEED program, administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce, is provided through the Technology Enabled Fiduciary Financial Institutions Development and Expansion Fund, enacted in 2021 through bipartisan legislation to promote economic development throughout the state.