BATAVIA, OH – Proposed projects such as fire station improvements, sidewalk construction and septic/sewer remediation are included in the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2021. The Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 11 adopted the $1.1 million program.

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides an annual grant on a formula basis to Clermont County to develop a viable urban community by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. HUD awards the CDBG to Clermont County to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services.

HUD is expected to approve the Action Plan within 45 days and a grant agreement will be executed with HUD before funds become available. Environmental Reviews of the projects will be completed and agreements will be signed with the successful CDBG applicants.

The program for July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022 includes:

• People Working Cooperatively, Home Repair Program, $50,000
  This request is for $50,000 in funding to provide home repair services and modifications to low/moderate income homeowners of Clermont County. With leveraged funding from multiple sources, it is anticipated PWC could assist as many as 40-50 LMI households.  PWC has been providing comprehensive housing related services for low income homeowners since 1975. PWC has a staff of 109 individuals which includes skilled and licensed plumbers, carpenters, electricians, roofers, HVAC technicians and others.  PWC would provide these repairs within 12 months of receiving the grant to qualified homeowners.

  “People Working Cooperatively appreciates the Commissioners’ commitment to support our program,” said Brian Weichert, PWC’s director of operations. “The Community Development Block Grant allows us to continue serving those who need our help the most.  These funds will provide home modifications/repairs assistance for dozens of families in Clermont County – helping them stay safe and healthy at home.”

• Clermont County General Health District, Septic/Sewer Remediation Program, $125,000
  This request continues the support of the Septic System Remediation program, which has been funded since 1988. Funds help very low, low/moderate income homeowners make necessary repair or replacement to failing or malfunctioning septic systems, or to connect to sewers when available.

  “Our septic rehab program has helped many Clermont County families pay for repairs or replacements to their failing septic systems,” said Julianne Nesbit, director of Clermont County Public Health. “These funds are vital to continuing this important program that helps homeowners and also helps to protect the environment.”

• Clermont County Community Alternative Sentencing Center (CASC), Drug & Alcohol Counseling, $71,000
  This program provides Drug & Alcohol Counseling, CASC is an alternative to jail for misdemeanor drug and alcohol offenders. Clients addicted to heroin and opiates will receive medical-assisted treatment for withdrawal instead of just languishing in jail with no assistance. CASC is funded by the Board of County Commissioners with services provided through Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services and has received state-wide and national attention.

  “All funding received for CASC is driven toward the client experience and ensuring access to services necessary to begin their recovery process,” said Heather Cokl, Director of Addiction Services for Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services – Clermont County. “Our program staff work diligently to deliver a therapeutic environment for clients to begin exploring their path to recovery in the community and wrapping around the supports they might need for that process. Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services is proud to be a member of this community partnership and honored to be able to touch the lives of those who come into our program. Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services is proud to be a member of this community partnership and honored to be able to touch the lives of those who come into our program.”

• Monroe Township, Fire Station #32, Phase II Improvements, $151,000
  This project would make improvements to the Fire/EMS Station 32 in Monroe Township. The project includes creating offices for the Clermont County Sheriff to cover the township and surrounding area. Addition of a new vehicle bay to permit a third medic unit, addition of dorm rooms for fire fighters and the addition of a community meeting room available to use by residents.
• Franklin Township, Community Room Remodel/Maintenance Building Addition, $179,000
  This project would fund the addition of two bays to the township Maintenance Garage on Hopewell Rd. This will allow the Township the ability to service and repair equipment and vehicles indoors and provide storage for equipment. This project will also update the Townships outdated Community Room located on the same site. Removal out non-working baseboard heat, adding new HVAC, updating walls, flooring, restrooms. This room is used by various community groups and is in serious need of an update to better accommodate these groups.
• Batavia Township, Amelia-Olive Branch Sidewalk, $199,000
  The project would result in approximately 700 LF of sidewalk that would connect to an existing sidewalk at 58 Amelia-Olive Branch Road which would head north to Lucy Run Road. The sidewalk would connect families who do not have transportation that live at Crown Pointe Apartments and at the Crossings of Amelia Senior Housing to the Kroger, drug store, restaurants and bus system on SR 125.
• Village of Moscow, Wells Street Sidewalk, $72,000
  This project involves connecting long neglected areas of the Village with Sidewalk. One will be on Wells street connecting Fifth Street to the Community Center. The other sidewalk will connect Wells Street with the Riverfront Park area. Adding walking access to both of these areas, which have recreation and exercise options of their own, will encourage residents to exercise while providing safe connection to both of these centers of the community.
• Fair Housing, Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), $15,000
  This program provides education to residents and realtors and landlords about fair housing laws. Members of HOME’s staff assist people who believe they may be victims of illegal housing discrimination.

For more information about the CDBG program, see: https://clermontcountyohio.gov/community-development/cdbg-overview/