The Colorado Department of Local Affairs awarded more than $13 million to help upgrade infrastructure in four communities along the Front Range, the agency said on Thursday.

The funding comes from the inaugural Transit Oriented Communities Infrastructure grant, which disburses dollars to communities to upgrade and maintain affordable housing in centers near transit, according to a news release.

The grant supports the quality of life for residents by offering affordable housing options, saving people time and money, Gov. Jared Polis said in the release.

The funds awarded to the four communities will offer up to 720 units of affordable housing, according to state authorities, and three of the four projects will promote development of the transit infrastructure. The funding will serve communities in Fort Collins, Longmont, Denver, and Wheat Ridge, specifically aimed at helping individuals at 60% of the area media income, authorities said.