TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) -- A southeast Kansas initiative aimed at generating investment and economic development is receiving $715,000 in matching federal funds to help train regional leaders.

The grant announced Wednesday goes to Project 17, a consortium of state legislators and city and county officials that formed in 2011 to improve the regional economy, quality of life and health care. The group is working with the Kansas Department of Commerce, as well as other state agencies.

The funds are in addition to $1 million in leadership training from the Kansas Leadership Center, which was announced in March.

Counties included in Project 17 are Allen, Anderson, Bourbon, Chautauqua, Cherokee, Coffey, Crawford, Elk, Franklin, Greenwood, Labette, Linn, Miami, Montgomery, Neosho, Wilson and Woodson.