Area Communities Awarded Funds For Neighborhood Revitalization & Critical Infrastructure
Article Presented By Classic Brands…
(Columbus) – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik have 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.
Critical Infrastructure In Our Area
Jackson County will receive a $430,600 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the city of Wellston in
enhancing its street infrastructure. Currently, the streets experience flooding and subsidence due to
inadequate drainage. Additionally, their narrow design and lack of sidewalks create safety hazards for
both vehicles and pedestrians. This project will address these issues by reconstructing and widening the roadways and adding curbs, drainage systems, and sidewalks. The project will benefit 5,465 people.
Pickaway County will receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the village of Ashville
with a flood and drainage improvement project along Randolph Street. This street was last repaired in
the 1980s and is past its useful life. The last improvements paved over the road, resulting in the street
being at a higher elevation than the yards of homes along this street. This project will lower the road
and install curbs, catch basins, and storm pipe to alleviate the flooding hazard. The project will benefit
1,085 people. Pickaway County will also receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to assist the city of Circleville in upgrading water facilities along Walnut Street. The current main water line is inadequate, having failed multiple times, and does not meet modern firefighting standards. The project will fund the
replacement of the main water line and two fire hydrants, as well as the installation of new valves, including box, insertion, and gate valves. The project will benefit 3,150 people.
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 also 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 also 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.
Neighborhood Revitalization In Our Area
Athens County will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant to assist the village of
Jacksonville with four activities as part of a Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) project. The
overall project will consist of street, sidewalk, and flood and drainage improvements, as well as park
improvements, which include new restrooms, a park shelter, playground equipment upgrades, and a
walking trail. The project will benefit 610 people.
Fairfield County will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant to assist the village of
Bremen with four activities as part of a Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) project. The
overall project will consist of sidewalk, street, and flood and drainage improvements, as well as park
improvements at the municipal pool. The project will benefit 1,640 people.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
