Thirty-six communities including a few in our area are recipients of the Community Development Block Grant for Public Infrastructure totaling $14.5 million in federal funds. That’s according to an announcement made Thursday by Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Officials say that in our area, Royalton will see $500,000 for improvements to the existing sewage treatment plant, Massac County will receive $199,890 for new water lines to the Southland Subdivision, $111,018 will go to the Big Mound Township in Wayne County for installation of new rural waterlines and connect homes, Carmi will get $90,387 for a new lift station and replacement of sewer line and Carterville will see $500,000 for water system improvements.

Officials say low-to-moderate income communities can apply for CDBG housing grants to improve housing and rehabilitate and retrofit properties. The objective of the state-administered funds is to provide safe, sanitary and affordable living condition.

Colp will get $368,550. Herrin and Vergennes will see $500,000. West Frankfort will receive $450,000, Williamson County gets $368,550 and Zeigler will get $450,000.