Schuylkill County leaders say they are thankful for a $1.4 million state grant to eradicate blight in their municipalities.

“We welcome it with open arms,” Pottsville Mayor James T. Muldowney said Monday.

“This is going to be great. Any funding that could be available and help with blighted properties would be great,” Shenandoah Mayor Andrew Szczyglak said.

State Sen. David Argall and Reps. Jerry Knowles and Neal Goodman announced the money Monday to be used for demolition.

Argall’s Chief of Staff Christine Verdier said Monday the money is available countywide from the Keystone Communities Program.

“They probably have a waiting list of projects to go,” she said.

Verdier said the county has a contract with the state Department of Community and Economic Development. She said the county was awaiting the money before it could proceed.

County Administrator Gary Bender did not return a call for comment Monday.

“We have a serious need to tear down old and blighted structures throughout our county. Blight affects us all. It lowers our property values, it strains the real estate market, it hurts our schools, it breeds crime, and poses a serious threat to our safety and well-being. This issue continues to be a top issue in many of older communities,” Argall said.

“As a former city councilman, I know firsthand that one of the most difficult problems a community faces is removal of blighted properties. This money will go a long way toward revitalizing and redeveloping Schuylkill County municipalities,” Goodman said.

Knowles said the funding is needed in the region.

“This will go a long way to help make us thrive. Blighted properties are a safety hazard and can cause crime in our neighborhoods. In addition, it creates economic burdens for our local governments. We need a cleanup. Our infrastructure is the foundation for strong and vibrant communities,” Knowles said.