The federal government has agreed to redeem almost $862,000 in abandoned U.S. savings bonds held by Kansas after a 14-year battle waged by the state’s treasurers.

Current Treasurer Ron Estes says he’s hoping the government will redeem about $151 million more.

The Wichita Eagle reports the 1,447 redeemed bonds include some that date back to World War I. They were recovered from abandoned safe-deposit boxes once rented by Kansas residents.

It’s the first time the federal government has agreed to cash out abandoned bonds. The state doesn’t get to spend the money, but it’s allowed to invest it and keep the interest and earnings.

Estes says the state’s unclaimed property fund now is at $260 million and generates $7 million to $8 million a year for the state budget.