DCEO to fund local sewer projects

A handful of Franklin County communities are being granted funds for sewer upgrades through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
The city of Christopher will receive $388,493 for southeast side target area sewer main replacements, according to the announcement this week. Orient will receive $237,540 to rehabilitate 10 municipal sewer pump stations, and Sesser will receive $450,000 to rehabilitate its sanitary sewer system.
The projects are funded by the Community Development Block Grant program, one of the longest continuously run programs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The program is federally funded, but DCEO administers it.
State Rep. Dave Severin announced the grants this week.
"I am pleased to pass along information released by DCEO this week announcing grant funding for major sewer improvement projects in my district," Severin said. "These investments are critical to ensure public health and safety."
A total of 40 such projects are being funded throughout the state. Neighboring Herrin and Johnston City also are receiving funds.