(KAIR)---Governor Laura Kelly announced Friday the third round of Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Supplement awards, distributing nearly $4 million to 25 Kansas communities to promote business retention for small businesses affected by the pandemic.

According to a release from Kelly's Office, Atchison County, Troy and Wathena were each awarded $150,000.

“Kansas continues to experience record economic success, bringing in jobs and business investment at historic levels,” Governor Kelly said. “These grant funds will support that momentum by ensuring small Kansas businesses can maintain their workforce. We’ll continue to focus strategic investments that will create a stronger, more resilient economy to help Kansas businesses and families succeed.”

The grant is administered by the Kansas Department of Commerce. The two previous grant rounds in this category awarded cities and counties with projects pertaining to economic development and meal programs. However, unlike previous rounds, these grants are available specifically to ensure job retention for Kansas businesses with under 50 employees.