BATAVIA, Ohio (July 13, 2019) — Eleven projects throughout Clermont County, totaling $852,881, have been recommended for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. A 30-day review period begins June 13 and a public information session will take place at 2 p.m. July 1 in the third floor conference room of the Clermont County Administration Building located at 101 E. Main Street in Batavia.

Recommended projects include:

• Amelia-Olivia Branch Road Sidewalk Repair in Batavia Township, $75,115
• Walnut Street Improvements in the Village of Felicity, $102,500
• Broadway and 4^th Street Sidewalk Improvements in the Village of Williamsburg, $125,368
• Walking and Bike Path in the Village of Moscow, $128,477
• Fire Station #32 Improvements – Phase 1 in Monroe Township, $112,946
• Owner Occupied Home Repairs by People Working Cooperatively, $50,000
• Septic Rehabilitation Program by Public Health, $100,000
• CASC – Substance Abuse Treatment by Clermont County, $71,000
• Fair Housing Administration (Housing Opportunities Made Equal) by Clermont County, $15,000
• Union Square Playground Park Project in the Village of New Richmond, $36,000
• Community Building Backup Generator in Franklin Township, $36,475

Printed copies of the draft Annual Action Plan are available for public inspection at the Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development, 101 East Main Street, 3^rd Floor, in Batavia, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. Written comments must be received by July 12. Submit comments to Sherri Cmar, Grants Coordinator, Clermont County Department of Community and Economic Development, 101 East Main Street, 3rd Floor, Batavia, Ohio 45103.

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.

“CDBG funds allow local communities to leverage their dollars and often provide for much-needed infrastructure,” said David Painter, President of the Board of County Commissioners. “This is an effective tool for many of our smaller jurisdictions that don’t have the resources to maintain critical facilities serving the public.”

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