(KMZA)--A Nemaha County company has been awarded a state grant for an innovative transportation-related project.

Governor Kelly last week announced the awarding of a total of more than $4.5 million to 20 projects across the state through the Kansas Department of Transportation's Innovation Technology Program.

Kelly Hills Unmanned Systems, which is a spin-off of Heinen Brothers Agra Services, was awarded a more than $688,000 grant for an autonomous agricultural vehicle pilot project. The company will provide a 25 percent match.

KDOT received 22 applications totaling over $5 million for this year's program.

The funding will support initiatives ranging from advanced unmanned aerial systems (UAS) research to artificial intelligence (AI)-driven infrastructure management and safety enhancements.