Jackson County was among those who recently received funds from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. More than $2 million was awarded to 19 cities, towns, and counties through-out the state. Jackson County received $150,000, and the City of Frederick received $42,000.

The funds will be used for projects including road and street improvements; fire and rescue trucks and equipment; and buildings for senior citizens, health clinics; and tradeshows.

Funding came from the agency's Community Development Block Grant program for Community Revitalization.

The program helps communities afford infrastructure improvements identified in their strategic plans, which take into consideration the goals and needs specific to the community and encourages improvements in the area's quality of life.

Each year, the Commerce Departments makes CDBG funds available to eligible incorporated towns, cities, and counties. Commerce uses a competitive grant process with an established set of threshold and rating criteria. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides funding for the state's CDBG programs.

To learn more about the CDBG program for Community Revitalization, visit www.OKcommerce.gov/Funding or contact Jeff Irons at Jeff_Irons@OKcommerce.gov, 800-879-6552, or 405-815-5367.