(KMZA)--The Kansas Department of Commerce has announced more than 1-point-3 million dollars in Historic Economic Asset Lifeline — or HEAL — grant funding to support 15 building renovation projects across the state, including projects in Baileyville and Seneca. The funding was announced Wednesday.

Combined with nearly 3-point-9 million dollars in local matching contributions, this round of HEAL grants represents a total investment of about 5-point-2 million dollars aimed at revitalizing downtown buildings and historic structures.

In Baileyville, more than 55-thousand dollars has been awarded to help transform a historic building into a community venue designed for broader public use.

In Seneca, nearly 99-thousand dollars will support the creation of new residential space above a historic theater building.

The HEAL program provides competitive matching grants to help communities restore underused and deteriorating properties, turning them into spaces for businesses, housing, childcare, arts, civic activities, and entrepreneurship.

State officials say the goal is to strengthen rural downtown districts and encourage long-term local investment.

The program, administered by the Kansas Office of Rural Prosperity, has already helped transform — or is currently improving — more than 100 buildings in rural Kansas communities.