LAKE MILTON, Ohio - The United States Department of Agriculture has awarded a $1,874,000 Community Facilities Grant for the phased extension of water lines to the Canyon Park, Scott Cliff, and Ellsworth Road areas of Lake Milton in Mahoning County.

Officials say in addition to providing a new water source for the area, these lines will improve water delivery to 1,400 other households connected to the current water system.

"This federal investment in the region's infrastructure will not only improve the delivery of clean water to thousands of residents but will also lead to more jobs and more efficient operations for local businesses. Projects like this help boost the economy," said U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown.

County officials say around 150 homes in the project area currently receive water from private, individual water systems that don't have an adequate source of quality water. The area's more than 3,700 rural residents will have an adequate and safe source of drinking water, improving quality of life and encouraging future economic growth in the Lake Milton area.

The project includes $168,900 in applicant contributions, bringing the project total to $4,221,900.

The funds for this project are a part of the USDA's Rural Development initiative.