Selden Community Building

Selden receives funds to construct community center.

The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded the City of Selden a KAN STEP grant in the amount of $106,312 to help construct a new community center. Selden, KS, population 2700, is located in northern Sheridan County and approximately 20 miles south of Oberlin.

Commerce's KAN STEP program is a self-help program that enables small communities to make major infrastructure improvements. Local people volunteer labor and services, while Commerce provides funding for materials and technical services. The funding is provided through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

The total cost for the Selden construction project will be $177,884, with approximately 30 local volunteers contributing $71,572 in donated labor, and the KAN STEP grant providing $106,312. The 48' x 70' community building will feature a central meeting room for various community activities. It will also include a small medical clinic to provide health care for citizens.

An acronym for Kansas Small Towns Environment Program, KAN STEP was started by the Kansas Department of Commerce in 2000 to give small Kansas communities an opportunity to do projects they couldn't otherwise afford.

Following the award of each KAN STEP project, a meeting is held between the owner, the architect, grant administrator and lead volunteers with KRWA to discuss any thought or suggestions for change to the plans prior to the architect's preparation of final plans and specs. This would include such items as lighting, flooring selection, plumbing or utility issues, etc.