McDonald leaders are continuing their efforts to revitalize the downtown business district.

Council members said Monday they are seeking redevelopment funds and assembling a committee to help promote existing businesses and attract new ones.

"We're trying to develop some more momentum to where we can, in the next couple of years, actually make some improvements," council President Tim Thomassy said.

Loretta Kendall, head of council's committee on community development, said she is working on grant applications for two projects.

The first would develop a borough property into a municipal parking lot, and the other would plan streetscape improvements, such as placing utility lines underground and installing new benches, lights and other items.

She planned to apply for money from Washington County's local share of revenues from slot machine gambling, estimated at $12 million.

Additionally, Mr. Thomassy is applying for money to help repair closed bridges on School Street and Arabella Street.

In addition to seeking grant money, council members are gathering an advisory committee of about eight to 10 business owners, commercial property owners, residents from the McDonald Area Redevelopment Association and others in hopes that interested parties can share ideas and cooperate to make improvements.

"We're trying to encourage business people to become more proactive," Mr. Thomassy said.

To aid this effort, Ms. Kendall planned to meet with the state Small Business Association to discuss marketing ideas for the downtown area, which is centered on the area of Route 980 and Lincoln Avenue.

Council's revitalization efforts stem from a 2005 study of McDonald's business district, which has struggled with empty storefronts for decades. During the heyday of coal and railroad jobs, the town was filled with shops and bustled with pedestrians.

The study, completed by urban development consulting firm Mullin & Lonergan Associates Inc. of Pittsburgh, made suggestions for improving the modern business climate.

Some recommendations were to refurbish and tear down old buildings, create a municipal parking lot, make the business district streetscape more appealing and foster improved communication among interested parties.

During a recent meeting with borough officials, representatives from the state Department of Community and Economic Development suggested the study findings would support the town's grant applications for infrastructure improvements, Mr. Thomassy said.

Mr. Thomassy hoped McDonald could start acting on revitalization plans. "We want to actually get into brick and mortar," he said.