Ohio's community landscape is set to receive a substantial financial boost. Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik, announced a $10.9 million infusion aimed at infrastructure and public service improvements across the state. As reported by the Governor's office, 49 communities across 45 counties will benefit from this allocation.
The initiative is designed to fuel economic growth and enhance quality of life. Noting the significance of local development, Governor DeWine said, "Every dollar we invest in local infrastructure strengthens the fabric of Ohio’s towns and cities, making them even better places to live, work, and raise families." Meanwhile, attracting new businesses and residents is key, and, as stated by Lt. Governor Husted, Ohio strives to keep pace with this growth through necessary upgrades to its infrastructure. According to the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine's announcement, these improvements range from street and sidewalk refurbishment to water and sewer line replacements.
Funding will not be limited to physical upgrades. Public services, such as Meals on Wheels, health programs, and housing and homelessness initiatives, stand to gain from these federal dollars. "Our goal is to uplift Ohio’s communities, from enhancing public spaces to ensuring safe and accessible infrastructure," Mihalik emphasized, according to the Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, highlighting the intent to pave the path for sustained economic development and improved living standards.
The grants are part of the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Program, targeting non-entitlement communities under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Out of the 101 eligible Ohio communities, divided between funding on even and odd years, a compact 49 have been chosen to benefit from the 2024 allocation, which totals $10,997,450.
