Canonsburg yesterday received nearly $383,000 in state money that will help fund five borough projects, including creation of a Main Street program and razing buildings to make way for a library.

Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Yablonsky delivered a poster-sized check for $382,985 to borough officials at Canonsburg Town Park.

"Throughout Pennsylvania, Gov. [Ed] Rendell has worked to revitalize older communities and create new opportunities," Mr. Yablonsky said in presenting the money.

On his way to the news conference, Mr. Yablonsky said he was reminded of one of favorite son Perry Como's songs, "Beyond Tomorrow." The money, he said, would help make Canonsburg a great place for the future.

Mayor Anthony Colaizzo responded, "This is a magic moment," referring to another Como tune. In accepting the money, Mr. Colaizzo said, he recalled Mr. Rendell saying one reason he was motivated to make his initial run for governor was to revitalize small towns throughout the state.

State Sen. J. Barry Stout, D-Bentleyville, said he was excited that money would be used to turn the site of the Fort Pitt Bridge Works, a former structural steel plant, into a working site again. At one time, there were plenty of jobs for young people but now many must leave the region because jobs are not available, he said. Revitalization projects like the Fort Pitt Bridge Works will help keep people in Washington County, he said.

The five projects and the grants funding them are as follows:

The Murdock Street Redevelopment Project -- A $200,000 grant to the Redevelopment Authority of Washington County will be used for environmental remediation and demolition of four buildings to make way for the new library. Currently, the Greater Canonsburg Public Library is housed in the borough building.

Fort Pitt Bridge Works Project -- A $130,485 grant will finance environmental assessment, a market study, general appraisals, design work and help prepare for new manufacturing space. This money also is being funneled through the redevelopment authority.

About 400,000 square feet of warehouse and manufacturing space, depending on the need, are expected to be built on the site.

Elm Street Planning Grant -- A $25,000 grant will enable Canonsburg to revitalize a residential neighborhood near its downtown. Elm Street residents, expected to meet in two weeks, can use the money however they see fit to improve their neighborhood.

Community Conservation Partnership Program grant -- A $22,500 Department of Conservation and Natural Resources grant will be used for a 5- to 10-year master site plan to make capital improvements at the 52-acre town park.

Main Street Program -- A $5,000 grant will enable the borough to create a Main Street program. The program will focus on the borough's ailing central business district and involve 116 buildings and 121 businesses.

"If you keep bringing us good ideas, we'll keep coming back with more checks and more money," Mr. Yablonsky said.