Governor DeWine announces $13.8M in for Neighborhood Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure grants; Rolling Acres awarded funding
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik Friday announced that nearly two dozen communities will receive funding to complete critical infrastructure and neighborhood improvement projects that improve quality of life for local residents.
More than $13.8 million in Neighborhood Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure grants will be awarded to 23 communities for projects such as new community centers, upgraded water infrastructure, road and bridge improvements, new fire hydrants and recreation enhancements.
Locally, Highland County will receive a $416,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the neighborhood of Rolling Acres, located in New Market Township, with sewer facility improvements. The project will replace the existing, failing six-inch sewer line with a new eight-inch line, as well as install 10 new manholes. The project will benefit 75 people.
Clinton County will receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the village of Blanchester with water infrastructure improvements along West Fancy and Bourbon streets in the southwest section of the village. The project will replace failed waterlines and one fire hydrant, and install two new hydrants. This project will benefit the 22 households currently served by the failing waterline and ensure those residents have proper infrastructure for fire protection.
Clinton County was also awarded a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the village of Sabina with storm sewer improvements. The storm sewers along East Elm Street are 70 years old and beyond their useful life. The project will replace this existing storm sewer with larger pipe, as well as replace existing catch basins and install new manholes to mitigate flooding issues. The project will benefit 650 people.
Pike County will receive a $250,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist Camp Creek Township with upgrades to a failing bridge. The bridge is more than 80 years old and beyond its useful life. The project will replace the bridge with a reinforced box culvert and expand the one-land road to two lanes. The project will benefit 1,115 people.
“Investing in our communities’ infrastructure isn’t just about building bridges and roads; it’s about nurturing economic growth and safeguarding the health and well-being of Ohioans,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects we’re supporting with this funding underscore our commitment to building a stronger, more prosperous Ohio for all.”
Of the total funding, seven communities will receive nearly $6 million in Neighborhood Revitalization grants. Eligible activities include public facility improvements, such as construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of infrastructure, fire protection facilities and community centers in low- and moderate-income areas.
“Ohio is experiencing unprecedented economic growth, so we want to ensure our communities have the resources in place to take advantage of that momentum,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Infrastructure is a crucial component of economic development and leads to job creation and improved quality of life for residents.”
Critical Infrastructure awards include 16 communities, totaling $7.8 million to assist with high-priority infrastructure improvements with community-wide impact. Projects must be in critical or poor condition to be considered eligible. Projects announced Friday include the improvement of flood and drainage facilities, water and sanitary sewer facilities, bridge reconstruction, parks and recreation facilities, street reconstruction and sidewalks.
Clinton County will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant to assist the city of Wilmington with the construction of a community center, playground equipment, and nearby pedestrian improvement activities such as a crosswalk, sidewalk, lights and drainage improvements. The project will benefit 539 people.
“These types of improvements are seldom pretty, and almost always expensive to make, but they can also serve as a welcome mat for companies looking to set up shop in Ohio,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “We’re proud to support these communities in getting these projects over the finish line.”
The grant awards are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.
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.