WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today 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.
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.
Mount Vernon (Knox County) will receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to undertake a street
improvement project on West Burgess Street and West Hamtramck Street. This project will involve a
complete demolition and reconstruction of the existing brick roadways, which were originally built
without the durability needed to support the demands of modern traffic. Consequently, the road base
has deteriorated, causing ruts and making travel on these streets both challenging and hazardous. By
reconstructing these roadways with advanced base materials, the project aims to ensure safer and
more reliable transportation in the future. The project will benefit approximately 565 people
The City of Mount Vernon (Knox County) will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant
to conduct six activities as part of a Neighborhood Revitalization Program (NRP) project. The overall
project will consist of sewage facility, water facility, sidewalk and street improvements, along with the
installation of six pickleball courts and one basketball court with basketball equipment. Lastly, the
project will include the installation of new sewage lines on Beech Alley and North Adams Street. The
project will benefit 1,170 people.
