COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik have announced that 49 communities in 45 counties will receive a total of $10.9 million in funding to support various community development and improvement projects, three village in Pickaway County.
The funding, allocated through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, is aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and public services, with the goal of driving economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents across the state.
“Every dollar we invest in local infrastructure strengthens the fabric of Ohio’s towns and cities, making them even better places to live, work, and raise families,” said Governor Mike DeWine. “These projects will not only improve everyday life for Ohioans but also lay the foundation for future economic opportunities.”
Pickaway County will receive $244,000 to conduct street improvements to Crystal and Greensway avenues in the Village of Darbyville, benefiting the village’s 220 residents. The county will also replace street signs in the Village of Tarlton, benefiting the village’s 261 residents, as well as conduct building rehabilitation to the community center in Williamsport, benefiting the village’s 1,225 residents.
Lt. Governor Jon Husted emphasized the importance of infrastructure improvements in supporting economic growth, saying, “Many places in Ohio are attracting new business and residential investments, and it’s essential that our communities upgrade their infrastructure to match this growth. We are helping communities prepare for new opportunities through these investments.”
The $10.9 million in grants will fund a wide range of infrastructure projects, such as street repairs, sidewalk improvements, water and sewer line replacements, and the construction or renovation of community centers and parks. Additionally, public service programs, including Meals on Wheels, housing and homelessness assistance, and health and wellness initiatives, will also receive support.
Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development, highlighted the broader impact of the funding, stating, “Our goal is to uplift Ohio’s communities, from enhancing public spaces to ensuring safe and accessible infrastructure. This funding empowers local leaders to address pressing needs, paving the way for sustained economic development and an improved quality of life for their residents.”
The allocation is part of the CDBG program, which provides biannual grants to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) non-entitlement communities. These communities, which are not eligible for direct federal assistance, apply for CDBG funds through the Ohio Department of Development. This year, 49 communities were selected to receive a combined total of $10,997,450 for various infrastructure and public service projects.
The full list of grant recipients and their respective funding allocations can be found on the Ohio Department of Development’s website.
Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted have consistently emphasized the importance of investing in local infrastructure to foster economic growth, improve public services, and ensure communities are well-equipped to thrive in the future.
For more information on the CDBG program and upcoming funding opportunities, visit Ohio Department of Development.
