MERCER COUNTY

More than $1.6 million in Community Development Block Grants have been approved for an array of projects in Mercer County.

The grants "provide local communities with the assistance necessary to undertake important improvement and revitalization projects," according to a news release from State Sen. Robert D. "Bob" Robbins, Salem Township, R-50th District.

The grants, according to the release, are:

   » $363,048 for Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility improvements in Clark and Wheatland boroughs; housing rehabilitation and downtown revitalization in Jamestown Borough; public service support for the Mercer County Council of Governments and the Children's Center of Mercer County.

   » $514,168 to Hermitage for several projects, including single-family housing rehabilitation; senior center and senior housing improvements; domestic violence/homeless shelter aid; child care and educational programming, and other family services.

   » $117,967 to Sharpsville to support bus service from low-income housing and senior housing to recreational facilities; water main replacement and sewer lateral replacement.

   » $117,862 to Pine Township to help pay for sewer line extension to serve 22 families.

   » $380,195 to Farrell to support a variety of community development projects approved by the city.

   » $146,362 to Greenville in annual CDBG Entitlement Program funding.

The Community Development Block Grant program provides financial and technical assistance to aid local governments in their community and economic development efforts, the release said.

There are two components: the entitlement program, which provides annual funding to 27 third-class cities, 127 boroughs and townships, and 54 counties; and a competitive program, which is available to all non-federal entitlement municipalities in Pennsylvania.

The program is federally funded and administered by the state Department of Community and Economic Development.