MOUNT VERNON — The State of Ohio awarded Mount Vernon $1.25 million in state grants for two local improvement projects.
The city will use a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure Grant for a brick street project on West Burgess and Hamtramck streets.
A $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization Grant will help revitalize the neighborhood around Riverside Park.
Gov. Mike DeWine announced the grant awards on Thursday.
“We are very grateful to hear the governor’s announcement of these grants and are pleased to have two projects approved in Mount Vernon,” Mayor Matt Starr said.
“We’re very excited that the governor believes in us and our ability to execute state and federal projects,” City Engineer Brian Ball said. “We’re extremely thankful to him and his staff.”
“With this funding, we are addressing vital needs in communities across the state,” said DeWine in a press release announcing the awards. “From upgrading water and sewer systems to enhancing public safety and improving parks, these projects will make Ohio’s neighborhoods stronger and safer for generations.”
“Strong infrastructure is the foundation of a thriving economy,” Lt. Governor Jon Husted said. “Through this funding, we are helping Ohio’s communities develop the resources that are critical to job creation and a higher quality of life.”
Neighborhood Revitalization Grant: $750,000
The revitalization project covers the area bounded by West High Street, Greenwood Avenue, Dike Road, and Lewis Street.
It involves installing new sanitary sewer lines on Beech Alley and North Adams Street, as well as new sidewalks and stormwater, sewer, and street repairs.
The scope also includes installing six pickleball courts and a basketball court in Riverside Park.
The project benefits 1,170 people.
“Investing in our neighborhoods is extremely important to me, and the city is obviously matching the grants. We also expect that individual property owners will likely want to invest as the work is being done, as happens in many of our neighborhood projects,” Starr said.
“The neighborhood project is a big win for our west end. We are very happy to see Mayor Starr’s vision of investments in our neighborhoods happening,” Ball said.
“We’re very thankful for all the participation in our public meetings,” he continued. “We’ve had some of the best turnout by our citizenry and elected officials.
“The public involvement process makes the project better every time.”
Ball estimates the total project cost to be $2.91M.
Critical Infrastructure Grant: $500,000
The infrastructure grant involves two blocks each of brick street repairs on West Hamtramck and Burgess streets.
“Design of the critical infrastructure project will be on the agenda for the utility commission for approval since this includes significant utility replacements,” Ball said. “We’ve done quite a bit of work already.”
The project includes demolishing and reconstructing the existing brick roadways. The roads were originally built without the durability needed to support the demands of modern traffic. The deteriorating road base has caused ruts, making travel on these streets challenging and hazardous.
Reconstruction includes:
•Rebuilding the brick street
•Installing new curbs and drainage
•Replacing water and sewer lines
The project benefits approximately 565 people. The total cost is estimated to be $2.67M.
“Infrastructure continues to remain a priority for us and ties back to our strategic plan. So this is great news that will help us move forward in those efforts,” Starr said.
About the state grants
Mount Vernon’s two projects are among 34 projects totaling $18.2 million.
Of the total funding, 10 communities will share $7.5 million in neighborhood revitalization grants. Eligible projects include public facility improvements such as construction, reconstruction, or rehabilitation of infrastructure. Improvements to fire protection facilities and community centers in low- and moderate-income areas also qualify.
The state will award critical infrastructure funding totaling $10.7 million to 24 communities to assist with high-priority infrastructure improvements with community-wide impact. Eligible projects must address infrastructure in critical or poor condition. Projects announced include improving flood and drainage facilities, water and sanitary sewer facilities, parks and recreation facilities, street reconstruction, and sidewalks.
“This type of infrastructure may not always be visible, but its impact is felt every day,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik in the release. “These projects will strengthen the foundation of our communities, making them safer, more resilient, and better prepared to be Ohio’s next great economic success story.”
The money comes through the Community Development Block Grant program. Below is a complete list of projects.
