Commissioners also authorized agreements with the two cities to outline responsibilities, if the anti-crime and pro-community development effort becomes a reality.

Weed and Seed seeks funds to boost police patrols of high-crime areas in Sharon and Farrell, with an emphasis on stopping drug trafficking, said Mercer County District Attorney James P. Epstein. At the same time, it allows communities to revitalize through community development projects, he said.

The District Attorney's Office would oversee the criminal justice portion of the project, while Mercer County Community Action Agency will oversee community development, he said.

If the grant is awarded, no county funds would be needed, Epstein said. Money obtained through drug arrests and police and prosecutors' manpower would be used in the anti-crime effort, he said.

"There's no local funds involved, except for the cost of incarcerating these individuals," said Commissioner Olivia M. Lazor.

"Let's hope that's a problem we have," said Commissioner Cloyd E. "Gene" Brenneman.