OKLAHOMA CITY - State Rep. David Braddock (D-Altus) and State Sen. Gilmer Capps (D-Snyder) announced Jackson County has received a Community Development Block Grant from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

The $150,000 award will be used for county road improvements.

"This is a major victory for Jackson County residents and visitors," said Braddock. "The grant program is important because most of our taxpayer dollars go to improving state highways and bridges, leaving the counties with little money for needed improvements.

"I applaud the county employees who worked hard to identify our road needs and secure this funding."

The CDBG Community Revitalization Program provides funds to eligible incorporated cities, towns and counties to be used for improvements outlined in the community's Strategic Plan, which is sent to the Department of Commerce with the application for the grant.

The Strategic Plan takes into consideration the goals and needs specific to the community and seeks an increase in the quality of life within the community.

Funding is provided to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.