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Governor DeWine announces $18.2M for neighborhood revitalization, critical infrastructure

By
Ohio Governor's Office, Press Release

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik Thursday announced that nearly three dozen communities will receive funding to complete critical infrastructure and neighborhood improvement projects that enhance the quality of life for Ohioans.

More than $18.2 million in Neighborhood Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure grants will be awarded to 34 communities for projects such as upgraded water and sewer infrastructure, road and sidewalk replacement, park improvements, recreation enhancements, new fire trucks and more.

"With this funding, we are addressing vital needs in communities across the state,” said Governor DeWine. “From upgrading water and sewer systems to enhancing public safety and improving parks, these projects will make Ohio’s neighborhoods stronger and safer for generations." 

“Strong infrastructure is the foundation of a thriving economy,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “Through this funding, we are helping Ohio's communities develop the resources that are critical to job creation and a higher quality of life."

Of the total funding, 10 communities will receive a shared a total of $7.5 million in Neighborhood Revitalization grants. Eligible projects include public facility improvements such as construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of infrastructure, improvements to fire protection facilities and community centers in low- and moderate-income areas.

Area grants include:

• Pickaway County will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant to assist the village of Williamsport with five activities as part of a Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) project. The overall project will consist of street improvements, street sign installation, sidewalk installation, rehabilitation of the community center, replacement of the water softener and multiple park improvements such as frisbee golf, pickleball nets and bathroom and parking improvements. The project will benefit 1,225 people.

• Scioto County will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant to support the village of New Boston with the implementation of five activities as part of a Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) project. Work will be done at the local park installing new pickleball courts and improving the walking trail. Other aspects of the project include improvements to two local roads, the installation of new welcome signs and new flooring at the community center. Additionally, multiple residential properties will be demolished throughout the Village. The project will benefit 2,070 people.

Critical Infrastructure funding will be awarded to 24 communities, totaling $10.7 million to assist with high-priority infrastructure improvements with community-wide impact. Projects must address infrastructure in critical or poor condition to be considered eligible. Projects announced today include the improvement of flood and drainage facilities, water and sanitary sewer facilities, parks and recreation facilities, street reconstruction and sidewalks.

Area projects include:

• Ross County will receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the village of Adelphi with replacing the existing sewage systems within the village and adding sewage infrastructure in areas where they don’t currently exist. This includes the installation of new catch basins, manhole covers, headwalls and storm sewer pipes. Due to sewage infrastructure dating back to the 1930s, floods have impacted access to the village for residents, emergency responders, school buses and travelers during time of heavy rainfall, putting community members at a health risk. The project will benefit 365 people.

• Ross County will receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the village of Clarksburg with a street improvement project along 3rd Street. The project will reconstruct a section of roadway and replace eight catch basins and culverts along a stretch of 3rd Street, entering the village from the south. The existing road surface is cracking in the center and severely narrowing at the edges. This condition creates hazardous situations for the mix of commercial and personal vehicles that use this roadway as their primary entrance and exit from the village. The project will benefit 535 people.

• Scioto County will receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the village of New Boston with flood and drainage improvements. The project will upgrade components and pumps in a facility located on Munn Run at the floodwall along the Ohio River. The current electrical gear is obsolete, and the pump station does not have the capacity to drain water from the village, which has experienced many major rain events throughout the past several years. The project will benefit 2,070 people.

• Scioto County will receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the village of Otway with flood and drainage improvements along state Route 73. The road is the main throughfare in Otway, and experiences significant flooding and standing water during rain events due to the lack of curbs and drainage; water from higher elevations collects in the village and has nowhere to drain. The project will benefit 100 people.

A complete list can be found at https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/OHIOGOVERNOR/2024/09/18/fil….

"This type of infrastructure may not always be visible, but its impact is felt every day,” said Director Mihalik. “These projects will strengthen the foundation of our communities, making them safer, more resilient, and better prepared to be Ohio’s next great economic success story.”

The grant awards are funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.

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