Th state announced May 31 that $122.7 million in grant awards will help improve water infrastructure in 59 counties, including in southern rural Lorain County, according to a news release.
The funding is part of the sixth round of the Ohio BUILDS (Broadband, Utilities, and Infrastructure for Local Development Success) Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant program, the release said.
Funding will provide $84.5 million in support of 43 new critical infrastructure projects and $38.2 million in gap funding for 33 previously funded projects with costs that exceeded initial estimates, according to the release.
Since 2021, the Ohio BUILDS Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program has provided a total of nearly $620 million to support hundreds of local water projects in all of Ohio’s 88 counties, the release said.
“The investments we’ve made through this program have been transformational in many Ohio communities,” said Gov. Mike DeWine in the release. “The projects we’re funding are about more than new pipes — they’re about protecting the health and well-being of Ohioans across the state.”
The grants announced today will help reduce or eliminate the financial burden community leaders face in addressing critical infrastructure needs such as new water distribution systems, waterline extensions, water tower replacements, and new pipes and water mains, the release said.
Also, grants will fund projects to replace sanitary sewer systems, prevent sewer system backups, and extend sewer lines to support economic growth, according to the release.
“Investments in our communities’ infrastructure are key to expanding sites for new businesses and housing that the people who work at these businesses will need to live and thrive,” said Lt. Gov. Jon Husted in the release. “This program is a key part of our efforts to ensure every community has the foundation in place to improve the quality of life to make Ohio a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly and awarded through three rounds in October, November and December 2021, as well as rounds in June and July 2023.
The sixth round of funding was made possible through continued support from the Ohio General Assembly in the current operating budget.
The Department of Development administers the program.
The program received 703 grant applications for this round, requesting more than $1.4 billion in funding, demonstrating the continued need for water infrastructure improvements across the state, the release said.
In addition to water infrastructure upgrades, Ohio BUILDS strategically invests in a broad range of projects to improve quality of life and support economic growth, such as broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment, the demolition of blighted buildings and more.
Drinking water infrastructure projects
• The Rural Lorain County Water Authority (Ashland/Lorain/Medina counties) will receive a $1 million grant to construct 12,000 feet of 4-inch water main along Township Road 1101 and Township Road 876 in Ashland County. Currently, residents are serviced by private wells, many of poor water quality. The project will extend existing waterlines to create a complete system loop to service previously unserved areas. The project will benefit 36 people.
• The city of Willard in Huron County will receive $1,539,715 in gap funding toward a water system improvement project. The city previously received a $4.9 million Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant award for this project. The additional funding will cover the remaining costs needed to complete the project. The project will benefit 10,000 people.
Wastewater infrastructure project
• The village of New London in Huron County will receive $260,600 in gap funding to replace 2,500 feet of 8-inch sanitary sewer. The existing sewer is more than 80 years old and beyond its useful life. Smoke testing by the village resulted in the discovery of many cross connections, leading to inflow and infiltration, as well as basement backups. Project activities include reconnecting existing services outside pavement limits, removing all cross connections, and replacing the existing storm sewer between Skellenger Creek west of Park Street to Fairhome Street. The project will benefit 96 people.