(RALEIGH) -- Community Development Block Grants have been awarded to Clay, Bladen, and Onslow counties and 15 other North Carolina municipalities for infrastructure improvements. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is issuing the grants.

"These projects will enhance the vitality of communities across the state by providing improvements to housing and living environments, as well as expanding economic opportunities,” said Gov. Bev Perdue.

The grants for all of the North Carolina communities total over $9.2 million. The Division of Community Assistance, a division of North Carolina Department of Commerce, administers the CDBG program.