KAN STEP: Bentley Senior Center
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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.
