SPRINGFIELD, IL — The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced several communities are recipients of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Public Infrastructure and Housing Rehabilitation.

A total of $23.5 million will be awarded for 45 projects, which will support housing rehabilitation projects and enable communities in non-metropolitan areas to make critical repairs to water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure to enhance safety and quality of life for residents.

Public infrastructure grant recipients in our area include: Mt. Vernon, Pana, and West Frankfort each receiving $550,000, while Sesser will receive $544,000.

Housing rehabilitation grant recipients include Christopher, Johnston City, and Zeigler will each receive $500,000.

Housing rehabilitation grants are designed to assist low-to-moderate income homeowners with improvements to ensure safe and sanitary living conditions.

Eligible uses of funds include structural work, electrical, plumbing, new appliances, flooring, ADA, and accessibility accommodations, and more.

Homeowners work through the local unit of government to apply for the grant, with up to $50,000 available for each home.