WEST FRANKFORT — The West Frankfort City Council passed a resolution Monday authorizing the city to submit a grant application to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration for improvements to the West Frankfort Mall area and for Mayor Tom Jordan to act as the authorized representative and pledge local matching funds.

The project will include parking lot, sidewalk and lighting improvements, replacing three entrance doors, HVAC unit replacement and public road improvements. The project will be located at the mall and on Bob Burton Way, Ken Gray Boulevard and Illinois 149.

The city hopes the improvements will accommodate proposed business expansion supporting the businesses in the surrounding area.

As part of the local match for this grant request, the city has $360,950 in cash on hand and an IDOT grant in the amount of $1,710,000 that is readily available, unencumbered and derived from non-federal sources.

It’s unknown at this time when the city will hear back regarding the grant it’s seeking for the project.