Ohio RealEstateRama

In 2015, residential real estate experienced its best year since the Great Recession ended in 2009. Although inventory could still use a jolt, demand was healthy throughout the year and there was enough supply to keep the engine strong.

Ohio EPA is accepting nominations to finance drinking water infrastructure improvements through the Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA). Ohio EPA will continue to offer up to $50 million in no interest loans for public drinking water systems (that use surface water as a source) for projects to treat cyanotoxins associated with Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB)

As the village of Sebring makes changes to its water chemistry to reduce corrosion in homeowners’ piping, new water sampling results show progress as 25 of the 28 homes where water samples were taken are below the federal guidelines. In addition, 15 water samples were taken at three local schools and all but one sample was lower than the allowable level

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced that the Senate will consider hisEnergy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act (ESIC) next week. ESIC has received widespread support from both Democrats and Republicans as well as industry leaders, energy-efficiency advocates and environmental stakeholders because it reduces pollution, saves consumers money and creates jobs. Portman introduced this legislation with U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH).

Regarding today’s announcement that FFP New Hydro LLC can move forward with four hydropower projects on the Muskingum River, including the Malta Lock & Dam Water Power Project and the Rokeby Lock & Dam Water Power Project, all of the following may be attributed to Congressman Steve Stivers (R-OH)

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) today voted in support of S.J.Res.22, providing for congressional disapproval of the “waters of the United States” (WOTUS) rule submitted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The WOTUS rule, which was finalized in June 2015, significantly expands the scope of federal jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act over virtually all waters and wet areas in the country.

The opportunity for this generation to buy a first home has been thwarted by sluggish income growth in the job market often made worse by the overcharge of student loan debt. That debt has put homeownership out of reach for millions of creditworthy borrowers.

The Justice Department announced today that Kent State University (KSU) has agreed to pay $145,000 to settle a civil rights lawsuit alleging that the university had maintained a policy of not allowing students with psychological disabilities to keep emotional support animals in university-operated student housing.  Under the settlement agreement, which must still be approved by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, KSU will

Ohio EPA has issued the final 2016 Program Management Plan and Project Priority List for the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF). The fund provides financial and technical assistance for a variety of projects, addressing the quality of Ohio's rivers, streams, lakes and other water bodies.

Bellville will construct baffles within clarifiers, and add a mixing system to an existing aerobic digester used at the treatment plant. Funding will also allow for the replacement of the Greenbriar Lift Station, which has been used far beyond its design life. The improvements will alleviate water quality impacts in Clear Fork, a tributary to the Mohican River.

The Northwestern Water and Sewer District will conduct an audit of its public water system to determine the extent of water loss and lost revenue due to leaks, meter problems, billing issues and unmetered usage. A low-interest loan from Ohio EPA is assisting in the financing of the project.

U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio) announced that the Omnibus Appropriations bill being considered in the Senate includes funding for new opportunities to help Ohio, Michigan, and other states impacted by the housing crisis revitalize their neighborhoods. It does this by giving Treasury the flexibility to transfer as much as $2 billion to the Hardest Hit Fund, which focuses on demolishing vacant and blighted structures which pose a growing threat to the public safety and economic well-being of our communities

Ohio Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor is urging Ohioans to conduct an insurance review with their agent before severe winter weather arrives. Taylor also advises that people prepare their properties and vehicles to reduce the risk of damage.

With local communities seeking cost-effective approaches to upgrading wastewater systems, U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) today announced that they have introduced the Clean Water Compliance and Affordability Act that would establish a national pilot program to ensure that the most innovative and cost-efficient solutions are available to local communities when complying with Clean Water Act standards.

the House passed a long-term highway funding bill, which included H.R. 299 – the Capital Access for Small Community Financial Institutions Act of 2015 – introduced in January by Representative Steve Stivers (R – OH) and Representative Joyce Beatty (D – OH). H.R. 299 provides regulatory relief for small, community-based enterprises in an effort to boost the housing market.

“Between CPP and the Waters of the United States rule, the EPA has not met a massive power-grab it doesn’t like. Once again, this administration is abusing executive authority to implement a radical anti-energy agenda at the expense of hard-working Ohio families. Analysis of this plan has already concluded that the CPP will increase the price of electricity, and to move forward with implementation is irresponsible. I applaud the 26 states, including Ohio, suing the Obama Administration to stop this federal overreach.”

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) released the following statement regarding the U.S. House of Representative’s passage of S.J. Res 23 and S.J. Res 24. The resolutions disapprove the two final rules issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for new and existing power plants

Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) and State Conservationist Terry Cosby of the United States Department of Agriculture toured Wood County farms to learn about various practices utilized to improve conservation and water management in farming.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, outlined legislation to improve programs for homeless veterans and their families in East Cleveland today.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs and a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, outlined legislation to improve programs for homeless veterans and their families in Warren today. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, about 12 percent of the adult homeless population is comprised of veterans.