MARS — The borough could be eligible for potential grant opportunities from the federal government through Butler County, as rules around applying for the funds change due to the Butler’s reclassification as an urban county.

Borough Council voted unanimously to participate in Butler County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program at its Tuesday, Sept. 8, meeting.

With its population crossing 200,000, Butler County qualifies for urban county status and is now set to receive CDBG funds directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

County commissioners voted to establish the status on Aug. 26. The county is awaiting HUD certification.

If approved, the county will receive annual funding of $1.4 million — about $500,000 more than what it currently does.

“There may or may not be any benefit to it, but there's no benefit if you don't even agree to participate or make yourself eligible,” said Michael Fleming, council president. “We've done that.”