Bentley Senior Center

City of Bentley receives KAN STEP Grant to construct new Senior Center

The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded a Kansas Small Town Environmental Program KAN STEP grant in the amount of $204,719 to construct a new Senior Center. KAN STEP grants are federally-funded through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Bentley will match the KAN STEP grant with $137,584 in volunteer labor. The total retail cost is estimated at $342,303.

The new facility will measure 76 x 40'8" (3,090 sq. feet). The project will be located near a retention/drainage pond with anticipation by the city of constructing a large park around the pond. The Senior Center will include a multi-purpose room, kitchen, storage room, game room, exercise room, restrooms, two mechanical rooms and a covered porch attached to a portico. A patio area is proposed for later construction.



The Project Representative is Laura Fisher who is also Bentley City Clerk. Ranson Financial Consultants, LLC, Wichita, will provide Grant Administration. Steve Hill, PBA Architects, Wichita is the architect for the project. The Kansas Rural Water Association will provide inspection services and technical assistance.

KAN STEP is a self-help program that enables small communities to make major infrastructure and community facility improvements. Local residents volunteer labor or services - termed "sweat equity" - while the Department of Commerce provides funding for technical services and materials. The KAN STEP program allows projects for many smaller communities in Kansas that otherwise would not be possible.

Funding for KAN STEP initiatives is provided through the federal CDBG program, which provides federal funds to local governments for the development of viable communities by addressing their housing, public facilities, and economic development needs. To be awarded CDBG funds, projects must meet at least one of three program objectives: benefit low- and moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slums and blight or resolve an urgent need where local resources are not available.