Nearly $700,000 in state Community Development Block Grant money has been allocated for Butler County municipal projects.

The largest amount, $325,142, in the state Department of Community and Economic Development allotments goes to the county, which is using it to make EDCO Park in Evans City handicap-accessible, curbs cuts to sidewalks in Harrisville and road reconstruction in Jackson Township.

Another $95,280 was awarded to Jefferson Township and $91,718 to Penn Township for housing rehabilitation.

Slippery Rock receives $96,185 for the reconstruction of Etna Road.

The remaining $90,180 is designated for road improvements, including widening, on McGrady Hollow Road in Summit Township.

The county commissioners on Wednesday approved a contract with DCED to facilitate those projects.

In other CDBG projects, the commissioners awarded a $119,300 contract to JP Environmental in Shamokin, Northumberland County, to make upgrades to the West Sunbury Sewer Treatment Plant.

To pay for the project, the commissioners reallocated unused funding to bolster the $118,781 originally set aside.

Wendy Leslie, county CDBG coordinator, explained in an interview the plant needs changes to meet state Department of Environmental Protection guidelines.

The ammonia discharged from the plant is exceeding state-approved levels.

Leslie said the work would include the installation of new equipment to increase efficiency.

The commissioners also awarded a $28,690 contract with Widmer Engineering for the McGrady Hollow Road project.

Work includes the installation of drains.

Leslie said the total project cost is estimated at $194,000.

“We're hoping next year to go out to bid,” she said.