IRONTON —The Ironton Metropolitan Housing Authority will receive more than $585,000 through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Public Housing Fund Program.

The funding is earmarked to help develop, finance and modernize the city’s public housing.

Monies can also be used to make large-scale improvements such as new roofs, new plumbing and new electrical systems to increase energy efficiency.

More than $6.8 million in grants, allocated through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, has been awarded to public housing in U.S. Rep. Charlie Wilson’s 6th District.

“Affordable public housing is a critical part of community development, but it has been the victim of budget cuts for years,” Wilson said in a statement.

“This funding will address some of the long-standing needs for public housing unit improvements as well as create much-needed jobs.”

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed by Congress on Feb. 17.