MARION — The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced that over $1.4 million in Community Development Block Grants have been awarded in the 117th District represented by Republican State Rep. Dave Severin of Benton.

These grants, which come from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, support local community development activities such as affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development.

Christopher, Johnston City and Marion will all receive $482,040 to rehabilitate 10 housing units in each community.

In total, 39 projects throughout the State of Illinois received CDBG funding.

Severin says he is grateful to DCEO for choosing cities in the 117th District for important housing rehabilitation projects. He says the funding awards made possible by these grants will beautify neighborhoods, clean up blighted properties, and literally put roofs over the heads of our fellow Southern Illinoisans.”