BATAVIA, OH (Oct. 7, 2019) — Clermont County Commissioners recently approved Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for 10 projects worth a total of more than $800,000. Funds will begin to flow in six to nine months, said Sherri Cmar, Grants Coordinator for Clermont County.
Projects include:
Village of Moscow, $128,477. Walking/biking path between the community center, ballfields and 1st Stop. Many residents now walk through the fields to access these locations, which becomes a hindrance and a danger for some of the elderly population. The other connection on the riverfront would provide a safe, walkable path between the sidewalk at Wells Street and the Riverfront Park. The path will provide unique views of the Ohio River and a safe stroll for residents and visitors.
Batavia Township, $75,115. Sidewalk from Crown Point Apartments past The Crossings senior housing to State Route 125. This allows low-income persons and seniors to more safely walk to a bus stop or cross the street to a grocery store and pharmacy.
Village of Felicity, $102,500. Widen Walnut Street and replace a hydrant, storm sewer and sidewalk. This will allow for better water service. CDBG provides matching funds for a $340,000 OPWC Small Government Grant.
Village of Williamsburg, $125,369. Replacement of deteriorated sidewalks.
Monroe Township , $112,946. First phase of fire station renovation that will include improved parking, training and bunk rooms and offices.
People Working Cooperatively (PWC), $50,000. Home repairs for low-income homeowners.
Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), $15,000. Fair housing projects.
Clermont County General Health District, $100,000. Septic system remediation.
Clermont County Community Alternative Sentencing Center, $71,000. Drug and alcohol counseling.
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. 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. They are an effective tool for many of our smaller jurisdictions.
