BATAVIA, Ohio –Nine projects throughout Clermont County, totaling $807,666, have been approved for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Funds for the projects will begin to flow in six to nine months, according to Sherri Cmar, Grants Coordinator for Clermont County.
The projects include:
- Bethel-Tate Fire Department Parking Lot Repairs — $99,752. This project will replace the asphalt and concrete parking lot of the Fire Department.
- Village of Amelia Chapel Road Sidewalk Extension — $78,594. Extension of the existing box culvert on Chapel Road across from Burnham Woods Drive to extend the sidewalk to the school entrance. This will permit safe passage for children and parents from Burnham Woods when walking to school.
- Village of New Richmond Susanna Way Promenade — $157,500. Addition of sidewalks to the Susanna Way Promenade from Western Avenue to Sophia Street.
- Franklin Township Fire and EMS Building Improvements — $227,820. Improvements to the Franklin Township Fire and EMS Building that will permit the consolidation of public services between Franklin Township Fire and the Clermont County Sherriff’s Department by adding an office for an on-duty sheriff’s deputy as well as a Fire Auxiliary office, and other improvements to the building such as brick and concrete work.
- 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.
- Housing Opportunities Made Equal — $15,000. Will assist at least 25 families with Fair Housing services.
- Fair Housing, Cool Tools for Schools – $8,000. Backpacks and school supplies for low-income children.
The CDBG program, administered through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), 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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