(KAIR)--Investments of more than $3 million dollars are made in eight Kansas communities, with the funds intended to “strengthen fire and flood protection, expand renewable energy resources and more.”

The largest amount of the funding is earmarked for use in Doniphan County.

That word comes from the United States Department of Agriculture, with Acting State Director for Rural Development Kansas, Dan Fischer, announcing the investments Friday, timed with Earth Day.

According to a release from USDA, a $2,917,200 grant will be used toward the construction of levee improvements for flood protection for the Doniphan County communities of Elwood and Wathena, as well as rural areas of the county.

The release explains that construction will address the issues of raising the levee, installing relief wells, making drainage structure improvements, and replacing conduits.

Once the project is completed, “it will provide improved flood protection and increased safety.”

There’s no immediate word on when the work will begin.

The remaining funds from the allocated $3.34 million will go elsewhere in Kansas.