The Housing Authority of Butler County has received a $500,000 state grant to fund a residential housing rehabilitation program in the Petrolia area.

About 40 homes are expected to be rehabilitated with improvements such as new energy-efficient windows, according to a news release from the authority.

The program will provide up to $12,000 to qualified, low-income families who own and occupy their homes.

Residents in that area also may be eligible for the Emergency Repair Program, which allows a $2,500 grant and a $2,500 home grant.

The rehabilitation program grant requires a $100,000 match from the county commissioners.

“I am pleased the housing authority is targeting the northeast quadrant of the county. These rural areas are more in need of this program,” Dale Pinkerton, chairman of the county commissioners, said in the release.

The housing authority will coordinate the housing works in the Petrolia area.