Kansas City, Mo. ? Federal officials have approved plans to commemorate Civil War sites in 41 counties in western Missouri and eastern Kansas.

The proposal was drafted by local organizers of the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area. The U.S. Interior Department recently approved the proposal, which allows the district to apply for more funds.

Judy Billings of Lawrence, a Freedom’s Frontier organizer, says the organization has received $158,000, which must be matched.

Freedom’s Frontier plans include a website listing commemorative events, a grant program for local partners and a sign program.

The 150th anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War is next April.