PITTSBURG, Kan. — On Monday, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Kansas Director for Rural Development Christy Davis announced that the USDA is investing grant funds totaling $2,268,200 toward eight community projects across the state. Each of the grants are designed for a specific purpose, ranging from rural business development and water and waste disposal to community facilities and predevelopment studies for rural communities, but are meant to bolster economic development in smaller towns and cities. “Investment in public infrastructure and facilities is essential for economic development in Kansas communities,” Davis said.