The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced that 49 Kansas communities will share a total of $13,049,583 in federal grants for residential handicapped accessibility modifications, micro-loans, park and sidewalk improvements, and the construction of storm shelters through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.“The CDBG program provides vital support to rural areas of our state,” said Kansas Commerce Secretary Pat George. “Small and rural communities grow our economy and enhance the quality of life in Kansas, so it is important that we support their needs. CDBG funding helps provide deserving communities with the resources to undertake critical projects.”The CDBG program provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities and economic development needs.