Counties Taking Advantage Of Rural Oppotunity Zones

Interest continues to grow in a new state
program aimed at increasing economic activity in rural Kansas
counties and reversing population declines.
The Department of Commerce says 40 out of 50 eligible counties
have agreed to participate in a student loan forgiveness program.
Approved applicants who have graduated from accredited universities
and technical colleges can receive up to $3,000 a year for five
years in loan assistance.
The program is part of a rural opportunity zone initiative
developed by Gov. Sam Brownback and his administration.
Participating counties have experienced population declines of as
much as 10 percent over the past decade.
New residents moving to the counties from outside Kansas are
also eligible to apply for an exemption from the state’s income tax
for five years.