States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
New York Department of State Announces Completion of $392,000 Welcome Center and Community Gathering Space in Chinatown
ALBANY, New York, June 11 -- The New York Department of State issued the following news release:
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NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF $392,000 WELCOME CENTER AND COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE IN CHINATOWN
Part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the Think!Chinatown Studio Welcome Center Features Gathering Space for Arts, Culture, and Community
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New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley today announced the completion of the $392,000 Cultural Welcome Center, Think!Chinatown Studio, as part of Chinatown's $20 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award.
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ALBANY, New York, June 11 -- The New York Department of State issued the following news release:
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NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF STATE ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF $392,000 WELCOME CENTER AND COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE IN CHINATOWN
Part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the Think!Chinatown Studio Welcome Center Features Gathering Space for Arts, Culture, and Community
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New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley today announced the completion of the $392,000 Cultural Welcome Center, Think!Chinatown Studio, as part of Chinatown's $20 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) award.The new space will serve as a community gathering place for sharing intergenerational knowledge about culture and the arts with residents and visitors of all backgrounds interested in learning more about Chinatown.
"Chinatown is a world-renowned cultural destination that reflects the rich history, traditions, and contributions of one of New York City's most vibrant communities," said Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley. "With the completion of this new cultural center, residents and visitors alike will now have an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the heritage and culture that makes Chinatown so unique. Thanks to Governor Hochul's continued support through the DRI, this community-driven project will help preserve and celebrate Chinatown for generations to come."
The center has transformed a once-vacant 1,200 square foot commercial storefront into a gathering space for arts, culture, and community. Programming will include hands-on foodways, folk arts, and cultural workshops, exhibitions for art and urban planning, storytelling recording, tea education and experiences, talks, and cultural performances and demonstrations. The space will also provide office space for Think!Chinatown, which supports cultural programming work throughout the neighborhood, including Chinatown Nights (formerly known as Chinatown Night Market) the Chinatown Arts Festival, and the Chinatown Block Party. Think!Chinatown was a key participant in the overall community-led DRI planning process.
Chinatown is an ethnically diverse neighborhood in Manhattan that contains the largest Chinese population in an urban area outside of China, as well as residents of Latin American, Italian and Eastern European Jewish descent and other backgrounds. The community prides itself on its diversity and broad array of cultural attractions, experiences and services. Through the DRI, Chinatown is creating welcoming landmarks, streetscapes and public spaces to draw visitors and encourage more foot traffic, and economic and cultural activity.
Manhattan's Chinatown was named the New York City Downtown Revitalization Initiative winner for the fifth round in 2021. Other DRI winners in the region include Downtown Jamaica; Bronx Civic Center; Downtown Brooklyn; Downtown Staten Island; East Harlem; Long Island City; Greater Morris Park; and East Williamsburg.
In addition to the Think!Chinatown Studio Cultural Welcome Center, the following projects are also funded by the DRI in Chinatown:
* Chinatown Connections: Combining three projects: Beautify the Park Row Connection to Chinatown; Renovate Kimlau Square; and create a Chinatown Welcome Arch/Gateway.
* Upgrade a Section of Sara D. Roosevelt Park: Expanding upon the larger scope of work currently planned for the Park, the City will renovate the area known as the Pit, Hua Mei Bird Garden, and adjacent perimeter sidewalk, paths, bike lanes, and walls. The improvements will provide expanded access and a welcoming public space with seating, shade, and landscaped areas for the multi-generational local community.
* Create a Buildings Upgrade Fund: The Chinatown Partnership will establish a grant program to help existing small businesses and building owners make improvements to local storefronts and businesses. Eligible activities include: facade/storefront improvements, ADA accessibility improvements, awnings, signage, lighting, historic plaques and security cameras.
* Open a Community Health and Wellness Center: Establish a new community health and wellness center at 60 Madison Street, which will offer much-needed high-quality and culturally accessible health and mental health services to the community.
* Expand Light Up Chinatown Street Lanterns: This project consists of improving pedestrian lighting, expanding festive street lanterns, and installing illuminated standalone art installation(s), all within the Chinatown neighborhood. Work includes creating a toolbox of lighting improvements that will result in greater street visibility and safety for residents, strengthening Chinatown's cultural identity, and attracting tourists and visitors.
* Reopen the Childcare and Family Support Center at Smith Houses (10 Catherine Slip): Repair the 4,700-square-foot childcare and family support center at New York City Housing Authority's Alfred E. Smith Houses to provide daycare and other supportive services.
* Launch a Small Business Innovation Hub: Create an incubator storefront as part of a 2,500-square-foot hub centered on providing local small businesses with training, workshops, technical assistance, physical space and other resources to grow. The Hub, located at 115 Bowery, is a vital center for supporting entrepreneurship and innovation within the Chinatown community.
* Create the Chinatown Art-Eries Public Art Fund: a grant fund focused on public art and cultural placemaking installations that will enliven public spaces and celebrate the cultural heritage and history of Chinatown and surrounding areas.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "Think!Chinatown Studio will serve as both a gateway and gathering place, inviting people to experience the culture, creativity, and history that make Chinatown such an important part of New York City. By creating space for education, artistic expression, and community connection, this project helps ensure that Chinatown's unique identity remains visible, accessible, and celebrated for years to come."
New York State Council on the Arts Executive Director Erika Mallin said, "Through strategic development and targeted partnerships, this transformative state investment will enrich this community and create lasting benefits for both local residents and visitors alike. The new Think!Chinatown Studio Welcome Center is a wonderful addition to downtown New York City, and we extend our congratulations to NYSCA grantee Think!Chinatown, for this remarkable project."
Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, "The opening of Think!Chinatown Studio represents a generational investment in the future of Chinatown, creating an idyllic new gathering center to promote artistic, cultural, and civic exchanges. I'm grateful to Governor Kathy Hochul for championing the Downtown Recovery Initiative (DRI), which made this project possible, and to former Manhattan Borough President and current Council Member Gale Brewer for her longstanding advocacy on behalf of Chinatown. This new community hub will help preserve, protect, and advance Chinatown's cultural heritage for generations to come."
Council Member Gale A. Brewer said, "Thanks to Governor Hochul, Chinatown continues to benefit from the $20 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant that I championed and helped secure. Chinatown is a cultural and historical anchor that is important to the present and future of the Chinese American and Asian American community, not just in New York City but throughout the Northeast. When you say Chinatown, people think of New York City. The completion of the Think!Chinatown Studio Welcome Center is another example of how this investment is strengthening the neighborhood, preserving its culture, and supporting its economic future. I thank Governor Hochul, Secretary Mosley, and Think!Chinatown for their commitment to this remarkable community."
New York City Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair Felix V. Matos Rodriguez said, "Great neighborhoods thrive when residents, entrepreneurs, artists, and community organizations have places to come together and share ideas. Think!Chinatown Studio creates that kind of anchor for Chinatown--supporting local activity, drawing visitors, and providing a flexible space where new programs and partnerships can take root. The Council was proud to support a project that strengthens the neighborhood's future while building on the energy that already exists throughout the community."
Yin Kong, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Think!Chinatown said, "For too long, Chinatown has disproportionately lacked dedicated arts spaces. With the opening of Think!Chinatown Studio, we have created a new entry point for investment in the arts for Chinatown, and a new opportunity for the depths of existing Chinatown culture to find the spotlight. Having spaces like the Think!Chinatown Studio is essential to anchor our placekeeping practices and grow our feeling of belonging to this neighborhood that holds a special place in the heart of so many New Yorkers."
Lisa Gold, Executive Director of the Asian American Arts Alliance (A4) said, "As the leader of an AAPI-serving arts organization, I know first-hand how vital the work of Think!Chinatown is to our community and the New York City creative ecosystem as a whole. Their programming and welcoming new studio space is needed in Chinatown more than ever and I am thrilled to celebrate their grand opening thanks to the State's funding."
The new Think!Chinatown Studio will permit Think!Chinatown to expand its work with local artists and arts organizations.
Theater Artist Ping Chong said, "I have watched and followed Think!Chinatown's growth from a fledgling, new kid on the block to a meaningful, optimistic and important player in the Chinatown community. The organization's vital and youthful energy is a refreshing counterpoint to the old Chinatown guard with a can-do spirit. As a lifelong resident of Chinatown, I can't say enough about the importance of this creative, imaginative and dynamic organization's positive and constructive impact on the community it is serving. Bravo to the State officials of New York State for their farsighted support of Think!Chinatown and the future of Chinatown."
Chinatown Artist Arlan Huang said, "Every year we await with great expectation Think!Chinatown's new program. Their arts and cultural programs always reveal new threads in the invisible weave that unites us as a community. It is a joy and always spectacular. As an artist concerned with the health of Chinatown I am humbled by their hard work and delighted to see the new Think!Chinatown Studio! They are quick to respond to community issues. They bring light and perspective with a moral and ethical integrity. And they are willing to defend it. I am proud to be a part of Think! Chinatown."
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About the Downtown Revitalization Initiative
The Downtown Revitalization Initiative was created in 2016 to accelerate and expand the revitalization of downtowns and neighborhoods in all ten regions of the state to serve as centers of activity and catalysts for investment. Led by the Department of State, with assistance from Empire State Development, Homes and Community Renewal and NYSERDA, the DRI represents an unprecedented and innovative "plan-then-act" strategy that couples strategic planning with immediate implementation. Through nine rounds, the DRI will have awarded a total of $1 billion to 99 communities across every region of the State.
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Original text here: https://dos.ny.gov/news/new-york-department-state-announces-completion-392000-welcome-center-and-community-gathering
Neb. Economic Development Dept.: City of Scottsbluff Recognized for Giving Retailers Room to Grow, Supporting Childcare Development
LINCOLN, Nebraska, June 11 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news:
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City of Scottsbluff Recognized for Giving Retailers Room to Grow, Supporting Childcare Development
State of Nebraska honors Scottsbluff officials for leadership in Economic Development Certified Community program.
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Innovative efforts to help employers build business in the City of Scottsbluff (pop. 14,200) have earned ongoing recognition from the State of Nebraska. On Monday, June 1st, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's (DED) Western Field Consultant Brittany Hardin
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, June 11 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news:
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City of Scottsbluff Recognized for Giving Retailers Room to Grow, Supporting Childcare Development
State of Nebraska honors Scottsbluff officials for leadership in Economic Development Certified Community program.
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Innovative efforts to help employers build business in the City of Scottsbluff (pop. 14,200) have earned ongoing recognition from the State of Nebraska. On Monday, June 1st, the Nebraska Department of Economic Development's (DED) Western Field Consultant Brittany Hardinhonored local leaders for success as an Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC). Scottsbluff was designated as an EDCC in 2007 and received program recertifications in 2010, 2015, 2021, and 2026.
Scottsbluff is one of 36 Nebraska communities to earn EDCC status in the program, sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats and administered by DED. State officials established the EDCC program in 2005 to recognize communities for preparedness to attract new industries and grow existing businesses. As part of the certification process, qualifying communities must develop a well-defined program that actively engages their existing business community and offers a supportive environment for new economic development projects. This includes documenting available sites and buildings, developing local financing and incentive programs, and creating strategic planning for economic development.
Over the past five years, city leaders have partnered with the State of Nebraska to assist in infrastructure and community development efforts. In 2025, the City of Scottsbluff received a $435,000 award from the Community Development Block Grant program for Downtown Revitalization (CDBG-DTR). The funding will assist in facade improvements in the downtown business district through commercial rehabilitation of private businesses. DED administers the federal CDBG program on behalf of the State of Nebraska.
City officials and voters continue to prioritize the use of local funds to assist in economic development. Nebraska's Local Option Municipal Economic Development Act (LB840) allows cities and villages to collect local tax dollars for economic development and was enacted by Scottsbluff voters in 1998. The program was renewed during the 2024 general election, which approved the city's LB840 program through September 2035. The program operates on approximately $1.35 million from Scottsbluff's City Sales and Use Tax for economic development.
This year, the Scottsbluff City Council approved two significant updates to its LB840 program to build momentum for retail and childcare employers. The amendments expanded the program's footprint to include retail businesses within the entirety of Scottsbluff's city limits as eligible applicants. Previous program requirements limited assistance to applicants in Scottsbluff's Business Improvement District. The program amendments also increased the maximum funding amount from $10,000 for each business to $25,000.
Additionally, the program amendments include childcare as an eligible activity for economic development support. This enables the city to offer assistance to qualifying early childhood care or education projects. The changes reflect growing efforts to increase support for Nebraska families and to encourage retention within the state's workforce.
Local leaders say the changes are encouraging innovation and creativity among retailers and entrepreneurs, who have contributed to the city's involvement in the EDCC program over the past 20 years.
"Scottsbluff is incredibly excited to be recertified as an Economic Development Certified Community," said Scottsbluff Economic Development Director Sharaya DeSersa. "It shows that we are moving our community forward by supporting local businesses, and that we're ready for new growth and opportunities."
The city's LB840 Citizen Review Committee and the LB840 Application Review Committee continue to focus on local and regional development efforts. The city council approved recent committee recommendations to assist a Morrill-based business, Iron Works Welding & Fabrication, with a $200,000 LB840 loan for equipment and inventory purchases.
Additional LB840 business expansion loans include $200,000 to computer repair and low voltage contractor Gardner Technologies and $750,000 to Papa Moon Vineyards, Winery and Ciderhouse. The Wyobraska Alfalfa Mill also received a $150,000 program loan. Program applicants must have a 10% monetary investment in their projects and have support from an additional financial partner.
"Our EDCC recertification reflects the hard work and partnerships happening throughout our community," DeSersa said. "All of these efforts combined will continue to make Scottsbluff a great place to live, work, and do business."
For additional information on the Economic Development Certified Community Program, visit https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/edcc.
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Original text here: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/city-of-scottsbluff-recognized-for-giving-retailers-room-to-grow-supporting-childcare-development/
Mo. Department of Natural Resources Awards $37,500 Grant to Waverly
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, June 11 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Department of Natural Resources awards $37,500 grant to Waverly
City will evaluate drinking water system improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $37,500 Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Waverly to evaluate its drinking water system.
Through its Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant program, the department offers funding to qualified communities to help evaluate public drinking water system improvements. The city
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, June 11 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Department of Natural Resources awards $37,500 grant to Waverly
City will evaluate drinking water system improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $37,500 Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant to the city of Waverly to evaluate its drinking water system.
Through its Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant program, the department offers funding to qualified communities to help evaluate public drinking water system improvements. The citywill use the grant to identify improvements that will enable the system to continue meeting drinking water quality standards and providing reliable water service.
Drinking water systems are essential infrastructure that support every community's health and economic vitality. Through this grant, qualified communities like Waverly can thoroughly assess their drinking water systems and identify improvements for better service. During the assessment, communities can determine what actions are needed to address current drinking water needs and plan for future growth and development.
The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit the State Revolving Fund (SRF) webpage (https://dnr.mo.gov/water/what-were-doing/state-revolving-fund-srf).
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Original text here: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-37500-grant-waverly
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Continue Legal Services for Veterans, Rural Communities
BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 11 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Continue Legal Services for Veterans, Rural Communities
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to continue funding the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the nation's largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans.
In a letter to congressional appropriations leaders (https://us8.my-proxy.com/index.php?q=y6jYp6uglJLUls2T0ZSkq53GopSSl9CuZ3-aqNZnpajGqdGcptrYktWZzNiTZWJkZ4pmYLCDpF1qYXum0ZzKp8pZlmeEy9nXyqfFq62Bc35f1ZiW),
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, June 11 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Bipartisan Coalition Urging Congress to Continue Legal Services for Veterans, Rural Communities
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a bipartisan coalition of 40 attorneys general in urging congressional leaders to continue funding the Legal Services Corporation (LSC), the nation's largest funder of civil legal aid for low-income Americans.
In a letter to congressional appropriations leaders (https://us8.my-proxy.com/index.php?q=y6jYp6uglJLUls2T0ZSkq53GopSSl9CuZ3-aqNZnpajGqdGcptrYktWZzNiTZWJkZ4pmYLCDpF1qYXum0ZzKp8pZlmeEy9nXyqfFq62Bc35f1ZiW),the coalition asked Congress to include continued funding for the LSC in the fiscal year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill. The coalition emphasized that LSC plays a critical role in ensuring access to justice for people who cannot afford legal representation in civil matters and remains a wise investment of federal resources.
Created by Congress in 1974, LSC supports a nationwide network of 129 independent legal aid organizations operating more than 900 offices in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Nearly 95% of LSC's federal funding is distributed directly to local legal aid providers that help millions of Americans each year address critical civil legal issues involving housing, family safety, consumer protection, veterans' benefits, and disaster recovery.
In their letter, the attorneys general highlighted the vital role LSC-funded programs play in expanding access to justice in rural communities where attorney shortages can leave residents facing significant civil legal challenges without legal assistance. The coalition also noted that studies show every dollar invested in civil legal aid generates an average of seven dollars in societal benefits, making LSC an effective and efficient use of taxpayer resources.
Joining Attorney General Brown in sending the letter are the attorneys general of Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, the Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Bipartisan-Coalition-Urging-Congress-to-Continue-Legal-Services-for-Veterans,-Rural-Communitie.aspx
LCRA, Hamilton County Electric Co-Op Award $4,800 Grant for Exterior Repairs to Lometa Community Library
AUSTIN, Texas, June 11 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA, Hamilton County Electric Co-op award $4,800 grant for exterior repairs to Lometa community library
Improvements will stop water leaks, help preserve historic building
Key Takeaways
* LCRA and Hamilton County Electric Co-op award a $4,800 grant to Grace Place on Main for repairs to the century-old building serving as the community library in Lometa.
* The improvements will address weather-related damage and help ensure the building remains safe and accessible for library patrons and
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AUSTIN, Texas, June 11 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA, Hamilton County Electric Co-op award $4,800 grant for exterior repairs to Lometa community library
Improvements will stop water leaks, help preserve historic building
Key Takeaways
* LCRA and Hamilton County Electric Co-op award a $4,800 grant to Grace Place on Main for repairs to the century-old building serving as the community library in Lometa.
* The improvements will address weather-related damage and help ensure the building remains safe and accessible for library patrons andcommunity use.
* The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA's Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.
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LOMETA, Texas - Grace Place on Main soon will repair the brick exterior of the 100-year-old building that houses the community library, thanks to a $4,800 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and Hamilton County Electric Cooperative.
The LCRA Community Grant will help restore the building's exterior and protect it from water damage during heavy storms, ensuring the structure remains weather-tight and continues to serve as a functional and welcoming space for library services and community activities.
Director Gail Eltgroth said the building has undergone significant interior restoration over the past year, but additional exterior brick and masonry work is needed to keep it safe and fully functional for community use.
"The exterior bricks of Grace Place on Main have withstood decades of weathering and now need new mortar to protect the building," Eltgroth said. "During heavy rains, water can seep through the bricks, which has caused damage to books, furniture and supplies inside. In some instances, we've even had to cover books when rain is expected just to help protect them. The repairs are much needed."
The site opened as a free community library in April 2025. Since then, Grace Place on Main has offered residents access to more than 2,200 books, free Wi-Fi and a community room that can be used for meetings, clubs and activities.
"Historically, Lometa has not had a dedicated public library outside of the school for residents in the surrounding rural area," Eltgroth said. "By keeping this building safe and usable, Grace Place on Main can continue providing library and meeting space that supports the educational and social needs of the community for years to come."
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region's growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-hamilton-county-electric-co-op-award-4800-grant-for-exterior-repairs-to-lometa-community-library/
Kan. Health & Environment Dept. Announces RHTP Emerging Technology Grant Opportunity
TOPEKA, Kansas, June 11 -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the following news release:
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KDHE Announces RHTP Emerging Technology Grant Opportunity
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces a request for applications (RFA) for an Emerging Technology grant opportunity under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The application period for the $9.5 million Emerging Technology grant will open Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to eligible Kansas providers proposing implementation or scaling of technologies with demonstrated ability to improve
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TOPEKA, Kansas, June 11 -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the following news release:
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KDHE Announces RHTP Emerging Technology Grant Opportunity
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announces a request for applications (RFA) for an Emerging Technology grant opportunity under the Kansas Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). The application period for the $9.5 million Emerging Technology grant will open Wednesday, June 10, 2026, to eligible Kansas providers proposing implementation or scaling of technologies with demonstrated ability to improvecare delivery. Providers eligible for the Emerging Technology grant funds are defined as Kansas hospitals, physician practices and solo practitioners, rural health clinics, federally qualified health centers, local health departments, Native American Sovereign Tribe healthcare facilities, certified community behavioral health clinics, licensed substance use disorder facilities, and licensed long-term care facilities. Grant applications are due July 10, 2026.
"Through the Emerging Technology Grant, we are investing in innovative solutions that help rural providers overcome challenges while ensuring Kansans can access care closer to home." KDHE Secretary Janet Stanek said. "As health care evolves, rural communities deserve the opportunity to benefit from new technologies that can improve access, enhance services, and better meet the needs of rural Kansans."
The Emerging Technology grant is designed to support the scaling of patient-facing technologies already deployed in real-world settings, and technologies may include, but are not limited to certain types of artificial intelligence solutions, including technologies that support clinical documentation, predictive analytics, and operational automation. Projects will enable rural Kansas providers to adopt and implement emerging technologies with demonstrated ability to improve care delivery and will build rural provider capacity to sustain adopted technologies beyond the grant period. Proven, tangible technology solutions will be scaled for rural Kansas providers with a credible plan for broader adoption. Recipients of the Emerging Technology grant funds will generate measurable, reportable evidence of technology impact, and all adopted technologies will meet applicable compliance and security standards.
Detailed submission and restriction information, along with the official RFA, have been posted on the Kansas RHTP website. KDHE will host a webinar for interested parties on Monday, June 22, 2026 at 1 p.m. Registration is required for the webinar.
RHTP is a national $50 billion commitment to improve the health and well-being of rural communities across the country. KDHE's implementation of its RHTP initiatives will pursue an approach that is both expeditious and effective, directing targeted resources to high-need areas throughout the state, with a focus on sustaining critical, high-quality health care access and services for rural Kansas. Kansas received final notice of approval on Feb. 17, 2026 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for Kansas' annual $221.89 million budget to implement its RHTP. The Emerging Technology program aligns with the RHTP initiative of fostering the use of innovative technologies to increase access to care for rural Kansans.
The Kansas Rural Health Innovation Alliance (KRHIA) will host its next virtual meeting on Wednesday, June 17, at 10:00 a.m. The meeting will be livestreamed on the KDHE YouTube Page (https://www.youtube.com/@kansasdepartmentofhealthan1189).
To learn more about KDHE's commitment to protecting and improving the health and environment of all Kansans through the RHTP visit: Rural Health Transformation Program | KDHE, KS (https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/2361/Rural-Health-Transformation-Program).
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Original text here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1978
Conn. Energy Dept. Announces $680,200 in State Grants to Support the Assessment and Remediation of Brownfields in Four Municipalities
HARTFORD, Connecticut, June 11 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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DEEP Announces $680,200 in State Grants to Support the Assessment and Remediation of Brownfields in Four Municipalities
Grants Under DEEP's Brownfields into Greenfields (BiG) Grant Program Will Enable the Creation, Preservation, or Addition of Park Space, Greenways, or Other Recreational Space for Public Use
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the release of $680,200 in state grants
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HARTFORD, Connecticut, June 11 -- The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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DEEP Announces $680,200 in State Grants to Support the Assessment and Remediation of Brownfields in Four Municipalities
Grants Under DEEP's Brownfields into Greenfields (BiG) Grant Program Will Enable the Creation, Preservation, or Addition of Park Space, Greenways, or Other Recreational Space for Public Use
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The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced today the release of $680,200 in state grantsunder Round 3 of DEEP's Brownfields into Greenfields (BiG) Grant Program to support the assessment and remediation of contaminated properties in four municipalities across Connecticut, consisting of approximately 20 acres of land. This funding was awarded to DEEP by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a supplemental Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) 128(a) State and Tribal Response Program grant to administer to brownfield sites in Connecticut.
The grants, which are administered through DEEP's Brownfields Program, will enable the creation, preservation, or addition of park space, greenways, or other recreational space for public use. DEEP anticipates additional grant opportunities will be available for municipalities and non-profits over the next year to enhance brownfield assessment, cleanup, and the creation of open space across the state. Over the duration of this BiG Grant Program, DEEP has committed to awarding at least 60% of the available funds to distressed municipalities located in environmental justice communities.
"DEEP is proud to work with federal partners, municipalities, and NGOs to facilitate redevelopment of brownfields and creation of open space in large and small communities across Connecticut", said DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes. "The BiG Grant Program allows DEEP to assist our municipal partners and non-profit organizations in their continuing efforts to turn brownfields that pose an environmental and economic burden into assets that make these communities better places to live, work and play. DEEP greatly appreciates the partnerships with EPA and local leaders to support brownfields redevelopment in Connecticut."
The grants announced today under this round include:
Assessment:
* Shelton Economic Development Corporation: $165,200 grant to conduct environmental assessment and planning work at the 5.78-acre Shelton Canal Lock Restoration area. This funding will support the Shelton Economic Development Corporation's efforts to transform the abandoned canal corridor into a public greenway.
* Town of Woodstock: $150,000 grant to conduct environmental assessment and planning work at a property located on Route 198. This funding will support the Town's plan to redevelop the 4-acre parcel into the Town's first municipal park.
Remediation:
* Town of East Hampton: $250,000 grant to conduct cleanup activities at the 3 Walnut Avenue property. This funding will support the Town's plan to redevelop the 1.53-acre property into a public park.
* Town of East Hartford: $115,000 grant to conduct cleanup activities at Shea Park. This funding will support the Town's efforts to improve the safety and usability of the 8.9-acre public park.
Through the BiG grant, DEEP has now awarded a total of $1,915,200 to 11 communities since 2024.
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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/news-releases/news-releases---2026/deep-announces-680200-in-state-grants-to-support-the-assessment-and-remediation-of-brownfields
