News Room

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2007

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher today announced that three Ohio communities have been awarded grants totaling more than $1 million from the Ohio Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Water and Sanitary Sewer Program. The funds are intended to improve the overall function and efficiency of each community's water and sewer systems and will benefit approximately 3,479 Ohio households.

"I'm pleased that these funds will provide clean and reliable water and sewer service for people in Noble, Hardin and Wood Counties," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as state development director. "It is imperative that we meet the basic needs of all Ohioans through the installation of efficient and sanitary water service and waste removal. By upgrading existing service with new and up-to-date infrastructure, we will not only benefit each individual household, but will make these communities more appealing to new businesses that will create jobs and strengthen Ohio's economy in the future."

The following communities will receive grants from the CDBG Water and Sanitary Sewer Program:

Caldwell Village, located in Noble County, will receive a $500,000 grant to improve its water treatment system by installing filters to remove organic materials from the water supply. The $1.1 million project will benefit approximately 2,670 households.

Forest Village, located in Hardin County, will receive a $500,000 grant to construct a water treatment plant. The $1.5 million project will benefit approximately 580 households.

The Village of Risingsun, located in Wood County, will receive an $81,500 grant to install 28,000 linear feet of sewer lines and construct a wastewater treatment facility and lift station. The $4.5 million project, mandated by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, will benefit 229 households.

The Water and Sanitary Sewer Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Housing and Community Partnerships and assists local governments in maintaining, improving and expanding water and sanitary sewer systems. The Program's goal is to create a safe and sanitary living environment for Ohio citizens ensuring safe and reliable drinking water and the proper disposal of sanitary waste.

Applications for the Program are accepted on a continual basis and are rated against the following criteria: number of persons expected to benefit from the project; ability to leverage funds; program impact; program readiness; and the community's financial capacity and rate structure. Communities with documented health and safety concerns will receive priority funding.

For more information about the Ohio Department of Development and its programs and services, visit www.odod.state.oh.us