(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded $362,000 in funding to support five downtown revitalization projects for buildings facing likely demolition or collapse--including a project in Meriden.

The funding is through the Emergency Historic Asset Lifeline or E-HEAL program.

Lt. Governor and Commerce Secretary David Toland says the restored buildings will be occupied by businesses that will drive economic growth.

$100,000 was awarded for the project in Meriden. Structural repairs and a new roof will save a longstanding flower shop, improving weather resistance and preserving a mainstay of the community- downtown.

The E-HEAL program addresses urgent needs in rural communities by stabilizing and rehabilitating historic downtown buildings that are facing imminent loss, are causing damage to surrounding buildings and/or have structural issues due to fire, storm damage or other emergencies.