BTI Special Projects

Welcome to the homepage for the Special Projects Unit. The mission of the Special Projects Unit is to directly assist private and governmental clients with services designed to enhance economic and community development activities. This unit of the BTI is self-supported by fee income. Fees vary by the complexity and length of the project.

Click below for examples of services performed by the Special Projects Unit:

Community Development Block Grants (Economic Development)

Community Development Block Grants (Community Facilities/Sewer/Water)

Community Development Block Grants (Housing Rehabilitation)

Tax Abatement Cost-Benefit Analysis

Community Housing Needs Assessments

Frequently Asked Questions

SP Staff

SP Contact Information

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)

Economic Development

The Special Projects Unit works closely with the Mid-America Certified Development Company (CDC), Inc. in developing the CDBG Economic Development component of major project financing. The company client frequently uses a Small Business Administration (SBA) guaranteed loan from the Mid-America CDC as the matching funds. With the financial information already available for that loan program, it is a logical second step to have the CDBG application prepared by the SP staff.

Community Facilities, Sewer/Water

Public infrastructure is an important aspect of community development. The SP staff is very experienced in developing CDBG applications for infrastructure projects, with over 80 projects completed or in progress. The BTI has administered more than $30 million in public infrastructure projects since 1992.

A key factor in CDBG applications is the grant administration. Most community staffs do not have the time or experience to properly administer the grant. CDBG grants now require a certified grant administrator to oversee the project. The BTI has a charter certified grant administrator with 12 years experience on staff in the SP unit.

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Housing Rehabilitation

The SP Unit is currently administering one CDBG housing rehabilitation project. The Housing Rehabilitation Program will collectively add twenty years of useful life to the community housing stock. Nearly every Kansas community needs help in upgrading the existing housing supply. Your community could qualify for up to $400,000 in CDBG funds for that purpose.

Call us today for details on this program. For more information on the CDBG program, call 620-235-4934 or E-mail to:

lmoore@pittstate.edu

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Former SP Director, Steve Robb, reviews grant documents with Fall River Mayor, Karen Parson. This CDBG project replaced a sewer lift station and sewer lines in the community.

Tax Abatement Cost-Benefit Analysis

Several Kansas communities and developers have turned to the SP unit for assistance in completing the required cost-benefit analysis for a tax abatement on new buildings or equipment. The gathering of the information and completion of the software program is a tedious and time-consuming task for anyone not familiar with the program. Our staff can assume this burden for your community or company at a surprisingly low cost. Contact us at 620-235-4934.

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Community Housing Needs Assessments

Communities all over Kansas have needs for housing of different types. It makes sense to determine the specific needs of your community to factor into the community planning process. The SP unit is experienced in completing housing needs assessments and the Kansas Housing Template. These studies are required for some types of grant and loan applications, and will soon be required for other programs. Contact us at 620-235-4934 to find out how we can assist your community within your budgetary limitations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I get a grant to start my new business?

Unfortunately, the TV shows and mail brochures that say the government is making grants for new businesses just aren't correct. There are thousands of new businesses starting every day in the United States. If the government helped one with a grant, it would have to help them all-an impossible situation.

Where else can I get financial help to start a new business?

Check with your city or county government. They may have a local revolving loan fund that they use to make low income loans under certain conditions. You can also get business financing advice from a Counselor at our Small Business Development Center.

What does it take to get a Small Business Administration loan?

You can get more information about SBA loans at our

Mid-America, Inc. Certified Development Company.

Can our city get a grant for a new swimming pool or recreation building?

Swimming pools and recreation buildings are an eligible project for Community Improvement CDBG grants. These projects have a low priority compared to more essential services like water, sewer, housing and streets. However, with a high degree of community effort and involvement and a clearly demonstrated need, it may be possible to get a grant for part of the project cost. That's where an experienced grantwriter can help you. Contact our Special Projects unit today at 620-235-4934.

Are there other sources of financing for community projects?

In addition to the CDBG program, USDA Rural Development and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have financing for certain types of projects. Our Special Projects Unit can advise you on where to look. Call 620-235-4934 or e-mail to

lmoore@pittstate.edu

Project officials look over the bid opening tabulation at the City of Gridley. Left to right are Paul Gassman, Project Engineer from Poe Van Doren in Topeka, Don Madison of the Iola USDA Rural Development office, and Mayor Lawrence Kelley. This project was administered by the BTI Special Projects Unit. It replaced a number of old water lines and added new lines for looping to produce better water quality and flow in the community. Financing is a combination of CDBG and Rural Development Loan/Grant.

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Special Projects Staff

Laura Moore was appointed Director of Special Projects at The Business and Technology Institute, Pittsburg State University, in August 2005. She has been involved in grant preparation/administration of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program, and many other community-based programs for the past 12 years. Laura has demonstrated the capacity and knowledge to work on complex Water, Sewer, Housing, Community Facilities, Economic Development and KAN-STEP projects.

Laura is a Chartered Certified Housing Administrator in the Kansas Department of Commerce (KDOC) administrator certification program, and attends all KDOC workshops and training programs.  Laura has obtained her certification with the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation to perform Housing Quality Standards and Lead-Based Paint Visual Assessment Inspections, as well as certification from Baker Environmental Consulting, Inc. for Lead-Safe Work Practices during renovation, remodeling, repair and maintenance activities.

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Laura Moore

Director, Special Projects
Business & Technology Institute
Pittsburg State University

133 Shirk Annex
1701 South Broadway
Pittsburg, Kansas 66762

Phone: (620) 235-4934
Fax: (620) 235-4919
or
Email: lmoore@pittstate.edu

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