Mercer County, Pa. - Pennsylvania State Representative Mark Longietti announced more than $650,000 in federal funding to help Mercer County residents and small businesses Friday.

The $659,464 will come from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The funding has not yet been received but has been earmarked by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Longietti says the money will ease the burden on residents and businesses who have been hit the hardest because of the coronavirus.

"Our community is incredibly resilient, and our residents are doing everything they can to weather the brunt of this pandemic," Longietti said. "Unfortunately, when disaster strikes, it's often the most vulnerable among us – our seniors, people with disabilities, families with the fewest resources – who face the greatest risk. Securing this funding is going to extend a lifeline of critical resources to those who need it most."
 
The funding will include $186,556 to Hermitage, $186,556 to Farrell, $159,506 to Mercer County, $65,377 to Greenville Borough, and $61,469 to Sharpsville Borough. Sharon was awarded $347,520 under the program during the first round of funding.