The Lawrence County Commission has authorized the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization to apply for several Community Development Block Grants, two of which would go toward improvements in the City of Ironton.

The larger of the two grants is $300,000 to re-locate utilities on 3 1/2 Alley and remove eyesores; utility and power lines will be buried.

“If you look down (3 1/2 Alley) you will know this is a major project,” Ironton Mayor Rich Blankenship, said. “A lot of cities across the country are moving toward underground utilities and (American Electric Power) is as well; this will definitely clean up downtown.”

Burying the lines will also decrease power outages, Blankenship said.

“From 3 ½ Alley toward Center Street the lines and the poles are old and susceptible to falling trees during storms,” Blankenship said. “Burying those lines also takes care of a safety issue.”

The other grant of $35,000, Blankenship said, is for general street improvements in the downtown area.