Staff report

Mahoning County is receiving $672,000 in funding for sidewalk and street improvements, primarily in Austintown, while Niles is getting $150,000 for sidewalk improvements and to replace fire hydrants.

The money is from Ohio’s federal Community Development Block Grant Allocation Program. The $10.9 million in funding for 45 counties was announced Tuesday by the state.

The money is for various infrastructure improvements and public services aimed at spurring economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents, according to Gov. Mike DeWine’s office.

Mahoning’s $672,000 award will go towards sidewalk improvements in Austintown that will benefit 770 residents, as well as street improvements in Beaver’s Woodworth Neighborhood, assisting 95 residents, and street improvements in Milton Township’s Pickering Neighborhood, helping 22 residents, according to DeWine’s office.

Niles is getting $150,000 for sidewalk improvements on Sherman Avenue to benefit 45 residents and for the replacement of six fire hydrants throughout the city, assisting 45 residents, according to DeWine’s office.