KWCH - Kansas News and Weather - Stimulus Money to Improve Sidewalks and Storefronts

Stimulus Money to Improve Sidewalks and Storefronts

by Kim Hynes (WICHITA, Kan.)

Stimulus dollars will help build new sidewalks and improve business facades in Wichita. The city council approved $764,000 for the projects Tuesday.

Almost $500,000 will be used to improve sidewalks in north east Wichita. The project qualifies for stimulus dollars because it's a low income area and the deteriorating sidewalks create a hazard for pedestrians.

The boundaries are Kensingston to the north, Oliver to the west, 13th street to the south and Old Manor Rd to the east. Sidewalks within those streets will be reconstructed. The city says the sidewalk reconstruction will employ 12-14 people per project and there will be 20 projects.

About $200,000 will go to local businesses needing to improve their store fronts. Business in certain low income areas can apply for funding to make improvements worth less than $50,000. The city says the money could help with paint, signage and window replacement.

Now that the city council approved the project, businesses can start to apply. The city says this project qualifies for stimulus dollars because the improvements will hopefully attract customers and more economic development.