Buckeye Reporter

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced that 51 communities will receive more than $10.6 million in allocations to support community development projects across the state. 

Funded through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Program, this funding will assist communities in completing a variety of infrastructure improvements and public services aimed at spurring economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents. 

“With every investment we make in our communities’ infrastructure, we’re planting seeds of prosperity that will bear fruit for years to come,” said Governor DeWine. “This funding will not only fuel economic growth by creating jobs and attracting outside investment, but it will also greatly improve the quality of life for Ohioans in some of our most underserved areas.” 

“Ohio is experiencing unprecedented economic growth, and in order to continue to attract new companies, the infrastructure in our communities needs to be up to date,” said Lt. Governor Husted. “These grants will help communities across the state prepare to attract those looking to build and expand into Ohio, creating new jobs and improving the quality of life for all Ohioans.”

Projects that may be funded through this program can include street repairs, sidewalk improvements, parks and recreation facilities, water and sewer line replacements, and community centers. Public service projects can include funding for programs such as Meals on Wheels, health and wellness, and housing and homelessness assistance. 

"If you look at all the economic success stories we've celebrated these past four years, few of them would have ever been possible if not for projects like these,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “Companies looking to invest in Ohio see these types of improvements as a community’s investment in itself and its future. We’re proud to support that.” 

Cities and counties considered U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) non-entitlement communities are eligible to apply for Allocation Program funds biannually. Ohio’s 101 eligible communities are divided between even and odd years of funding, with 51 communities receiving a total of $10,654,000 for 2023. 

Original source can be found here.