KAThe Shawnee Development Council, located in Karnak and serving Alexander, Hardin, Johnson, Massac, Pope, Pulaski and Union counties, has received a $46,100 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Office of Rural Development.

The funds will be used to repair and rehabilitate homes for low and very low-income families, according to a press release from U.S. Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Belleville.

"Quality, affordable housing is an important tool for economic development," Costello said. "These funds are improving the lives of many families, which in turn benefits the entire community."