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Localities in Virginia's 5th Congressional District will have a little extra help when it comes to applying to federal and state agencies for stimulus money.

Rep. Tom Perriello, D-Albemarle County, has hired a grants coordinator for the specific purpose of helping localities in the district, which includes 22 localities from Charlottesville south to the Virginia border.

Brennan Johnson will work with District Manager Ridge Schuyler to form the Economic Recovery Team.

"The Economic Recovery Team's goal is to help localities reap the benefits of the [stimulus] package quickly and transparently," Perriello said.

Johnson and Schuyler will work out of the Charlottesville office to help localities decipher where and how to apply.

Before joining Perriello's staff, Johnson oversaw grant coordination for the Ron Brown Scholar Community Service Foundation.

Projects proposed for stimulus money included numerous water and sewer upgrades around the district as well as expanded broadband service.

While they begin work on obtaining funds, Perriello is back in Charlottesville with his family because his father is "gravely ill." The congressman will return to Washington as soon as he can, said press secretary Jessica Barba.