More TARP money hits Kansas City market

Add First Community Bank in Lee’s Summit to the list of area banks receiving capital under the U.S. Treasury’s TARP program.

Its parent company gained approval for $14.8 million from Uncle Sam. Bank officials were not available.

First Community, with $617 million in assets, already exceeded regulators’ minimum capital requirements for a well capitalized bank.

Other banks that sought and received TARP money have said the funds would support lending.

Some bankers, however, have shied away because of conditions Uncle Sam places on the money they contend are too onerous and unpredictable.

By our count, at least 18 banks with area branches have tapped the TARP. Among those 18 that are based in Missouri or Kansas, the take exceeds $340 million.