State Rep. Kim LaSata announced this week that Berrien County will receive funding for residential and commercial blight elimination projects.

The Berrien County Land Bank Authority has been awarded $102,000 to tear down 25 blighted, tax-foreclosed properties in Benton Harbor, Benton Charter Township, and Buchanan. The funding was awarded through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, following a competitive application process.

“Our economy is rebounding strongly, but there is still much work to be done,” LaSata said. “This is an excellent example of how tax dollars can be used at the local level to improve the quality of life in a small community.”