State Investing $5.75 Million to Upgrade Water and Sewer Infrastructure, Revitalize Downtowns in 13 Counties

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - The Ohio Department of Development today announced $5.75 million in grants to help revitalize downtowns, provide vital public services, and upgrade water and sewer infrastructure in 14 communities across 13 counties.

The funding comes from the Flexible Grant and Residential Public Infrastructure Grant programs, both supported through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). These awards will help improve the quality of life for Ohioans by creating accessible infrastructure for those with disabilities, ensuring a safe and sanitary living environment, and opening doors for future development opportunities.  

"The most impactful investments we can make in our communities are the ones that improve the lives of the people who call them home," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. "Whether that's ensuring families have access to clean water or by creating safer, more welcoming, and accessible spaces, we're strengthening our communities from the ground up and laying the foundation for future growth across this great state."

The following counties are receiving a total of $5,752,500 in grants: 

Athens County will receive $750,000 to extend a wastewater collection system into the community of New Marshfield. Homes in the area have outdated septic systems that discharge into nearby surface water.

Champaign Countywill receive $250,000 to rehabilitate a building in Urbana's historic downtown Monument Square District. Improvements include the rehabilitation of the roof, second story, basement, plumbing, and HVAC systems.

Clark Countywill receive $249,500 to complete a comprehensive county-wide study on homelessness, as well as the rehabilitation of restroom facilities at the Hartley House, a men's shelter that provides critical housing and support services.

Fulton Countywill receive $250,000 to rehabilitate three downtown buildings in the village of Metamora. Improvements include façade repair, window and roof replacement, new siding, and tuckpointing - a masonry repair process for replacing damaged mortar between bricks.

Cambridge (Guernsey County)will receive $240,000 to assist with park improvements. This will supplement an Appalachian Community Grant, awarded through the Governor's Office of Appalachia, that will extend the Great Guernsey Trail into downtown Cambridge.

Hancock Countywill receive $250,000 to complete improvements to the Hancock County Board of Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services building. Improvements include the rehabilitation of water-damaged walls and floors, as well as the installation of new air handling and radon mitigation systems.  

Licking Countywill receive $250,000 for the rehabilitation of the historic Buckingham House in Newark. Improvements include restoring and preserving interior and exterior historic architectural elements, interior and exterior painting, installation of new storm doors and windows, roof replacements, and major mechanical system upgrades.

Madison Countywill receive $250,000 to rehabilitate the Madison County Board of Developmental Disabilities preschool. The parking lot will be reconstructed to create an improved traffic pattern, enhancing the safety of students with developmental disabilities.  

Frazeysburg (Muskingum County) will receive $685,000 for improvements to its water treatment plant. The plant has components in disrepair, and improvements are needed to help ensure longevity.

Portage Countywill receive $78,000 to assist Nelson Township with accessibility improvements to the local community center. The restrooms will be reconstructed to accommodate wheelchair access. The county will also receive $750,000 for rehabilitation of the wastewater collection system in Mantua. The system experiences high inflow and infiltration during wet periods, and this project will replace damaged lines.

Putnam Countywill receive $250,000 for the rehabilitation of three downtown buildings in the village of Leipsic. Improvements include tuckpointing, window replacement, and façade improvements.

Ross Countywill receive $750,000 for water system improvements in Bainbridge. The village's system is over a century old and experiences high water loss due to aged and damaged lines.

Trumbull Countywill receive $750,000 for the extension of wastewater collection lines in the community of McKinley Heights. Homes in the area are served by failing household septic treatment systems that discharge into nearby surface water.

The Residential Public Infrastructure Grant program supports projects aimed at improving the quality of life for Ohioans by providing safe and reliable drinking water and proper disposal of sanitary waste. The Flexible Grant Program is a funding opportunity for projects that meet CDBG guidelines and create economic development opportunities, revitalize downtowns, or provide other public benefits. The main objective of CDBG is to benefit the lives of low- and moderate-income residents and improve the communities in which they live. 

Those with questions about a specific project should contact the entity receiving the grant. 

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio's people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.