The Lawrence County Board held a public hearing prior to it’s regular monthly session Wednesday. It was to receive public comment pursuant to an application to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (IDCEO) by the county as the result of the shutting down of Sunrise Coal mining operations near Russellville earlier in 2024. The hearing is part of Phase II of obtaining around $80,000 to $90,000 for use in areas of economic and other development in the county such as broadband internet expansion. The full application process is to be completed by July 30th. There will be another public hearing regarding the grant funding use on Wednesday July 17th at 3:30 p.m. prior to the next monthly county board session.