HARRISBURG - Rep. Doyle Heffley, R-Carbon, and Sen. John Yudichak, D-Luzerne/Carbon, announce $677,000 in grant awards for Carbon County through the Department of Community and Economic Development Community Development Block Grant program.

The grants will be used to support a variety of projects throughout the county which will improve communities and infrastructure."I'm glad to see these taxpayer dollars returning to Carbon County," Heffley said."Our communities are in need of support and updates, and these funds will enhance opportunities for tourism and economic development."The grant awards will be distributed as follows:• Carbon County, $235,537• Franklin Township, $83,735• Jim Thorpe, $87,843• Lehighton, $93,534• Mahoning Township, $84,076• Palmerton, $92,854"Community Development grants provide vital funds for worthy projects in communities across Carbon County," Yudichak said."Projects cover a wide range of community improvements including upgrades to water and sewer systems, and necessary road repairs."