(MSC News )--Three local towns are among 32 communities across Kansas that have been awarded funding for small-scale projects, thanks to a new grant program focused of revitalizing rural communities.

The Kansas Department of Commerce announced Wednesday that $298,825 has been awarded through the inaugural round of the Towns Grant Program in partnership with the Dane G Hansen Foundation, the Kansas Health Foundation and the Sunflower Foundation.

Locally, Effingham, Powhattan and Waterville are among the grant recipients.

Effingham will receive $3,900 for new welcome signage.

Powhattan will receive $10,000 for improvements to the city park-including playground equipment and seating.

Waterville will receive $10,000 for sidewalk repair and replacement, along with handicapped ramp construction.

The Towns Grant program supports communities with a population of 5,000 or less that have not received funding since 2019 from the Kansas Department of Commerce.