BATAVIA, Ohio (July 3, 2017) – Seven projects throughout Clermont County, totaling $687,157, have been approved for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Funds for the project will begin to flow in six to nine months, according to Sherri Cmar, Grants Coordinator for Clermont County.

The projects include:

• Wayne Township, Community Center Phase III Project — $233,697. This is the final phase to complete the Community Center, and it will include meeting and conference rooms.
• Village of Bethel, South Union Street Bridge Replacement — $212,460. This will replace a bridge and walkways and addresses safety concerns.
• Clermont County Public Health, Septic System Remediation Program — $100,000. This will provide for septic system repairs and replacements for seven or so households.
• Community Alternative Sentencing Center Substance Abuse Counseling — $71,000. Drug and alcohol counseling will be provided for approximately 25 people.
• People Working Cooperatively Home Repairs — $50,000. Home repair services, including lead paint remediation, for at least 25 households.
• House Opportunities Made Equal — $15,000. Will assist at least 25 families with Fair Housing services.
• Fair Housing, Cool Tools for Schools – $5,000. Backpacks and school supplies for low-income children.

The CDBG program, administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, provides grants to cities and urban counties to help spur economic development. The grants are primarily targeted toward assisting low-income families and can also help with infrastructure needs.

Each year, communities in Clermont County apply for grants, which are then reviewed and ranked, Cmar said. The Board of County Commissioners then submits the list of projects to HUD for review. HUD then submits the projects to Congress for final approval. Environmental reviews for each project are still needed before the funds are released, Cmar said.

“CDBG funds allow local communities to leverage their dollars and often provide for much needed infrastructure,” said Andy Kuchta, Director of Community and Economic Development. “They are an effective tool for many of our smaller jurisdictions.”

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