Shawneetown and Carrier Mills among housing grant recipients

SALINE COUNTY - Carrier Mills and Shawneetown are among several local communities in southern Illinois that will receive grant money to help revitalize local homes.

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity, Office of Community Development announced the recipients of the 2019 Community Development Block Grant for Housing Rehabilitation. The grants are designed to assist low-to-moderate income homeowners needing safe and sanitary living conditions.

"By rehabilitating residential properties we are not only ensuring our residents can stay in their family home but also stabilizing neighborhoods and spurring economic development," Governor J.B. Pritzker said, according to the DCEO news release.

Funding for the Community Development Block Grant Housing Rehabilitation program is provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

State administered funds are available for communities who do not receive their own CDBG funding from HUD.

Carrier Mills will receive $500,000 in funding, as will Shawneetown in Gallatin County and Rosiclare in Hardin County.

Thirteen communities across the state will be awarded grants totaling over $6.3 million. DCEO estimates more than 125 homes will benefit.

Other Illinois communities receiving housing rehab grants are

Ava - $450,000; Christopher - $482,040; Coal City - $500,000; Colchester - $500,000; Effingham - $498,139; Johnston City - $482,040; Marion - $482,040; Mattoon - $497,121; Neponset - $500,000; and Spring Valley - $500,000

Communities interested in applying for 2020 program year funding may attend DCEO's Office of Community Development CDBG Application and Administrator's Workshop.

The Workshop is scheduled for February 25-27, 2020 in Springfield. For more information call (217) 785-6174 or email ceo.cdbg@illinois.gov.