A construction worker attaches a board to a new office for the grain elevator Monday in Greensburg. The building is the first to be rebuilt in the community of 1,400 that was destroyed just more than a month ago by an F-5 tornado.

Topeka ? The first, $7.5 million installment of the state’s relief package for Greensburg and other tornado-damaged towns was authorized Wednesday by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius and legislative leaders.

They set aside $5 million to cover cleanup costs, repair infrastructure and provide direct assistance to individuals in six counties. Most of the money will be spent in Kiowa County, where a tornado the night of May 4, packing winds of up to 205 mph, destroyed more than 90 percent of Greensburg and killed 10 people.

They also set aside an additional $2.5 million and approved the rules for a new Department of Revenue program to help businesses in Kiowa County rebuild, including Kiowa County Memorial Hospital and Iroquois Center, which provides mental health services.

Sebelius and the Legislature’s eight top leaders met as the State Finance Council, which handles money matters for the state when lawmakers are not in session. The council unanimously approved both allocations, allowed under a $32 million relief package approved by lawmakers last month.

“I know it will be a big relief for the city and county, the city of Greensburg and Kiowa County,” said House Minority Leader Dennis McKinney, D-Greensburg, who lost his home to the tornado. “If you have this kind of trouble in Kansas, you don’t stand alone, and we’re going to make sure that they provide essential services.”

Scott Brown, a farmer who operates an auctioneering and real estate business in Greensburg, said the council’s decision represents “an excellent start” and could help persuade some business owners to rebuild.

Brown’s office on the east edge of Greensburg was among the few buildings not destroyed by the May 4 twister. He’s opened it up to six other businesses so they have a place to work and make telephone calls.

“It will be a help,” he said during a telephone interview. “This would definitely be a nudge toward the right direction to get them to stay.”

The $5 million the council set aside is designed to attract as much as $45 million more in federal funds.