Carthage is working with the Western Illinois Regional Council to secure a grant for home rehabilitation. The city hopes to secure at least a $250,000 grant.
Mayor Jim Nightingale said the city has successfully applied for federal Community Development Block Grants on three occasions. He said the program does more than spruce up a home.
He said, “It seems like it gives people a little bit more pride and they tend to keep their homes up after they get these improvements. So I think it's a big plus for our community.”
WIRC has begun surveying residents to gauge the interest in the program. The organization sent out 536 surveys; 132 were returned.
The funds would re-habilitate about a dozen homes. The grant money would pay for improvements like weatherization, plumbing, electrical and roof repairs.
