Patt-McDaniel Announces American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Community Development Block Grant Program Application Period

COLUMBUS, OH – June 15, 2009 – (RealEstateRama) – Lisa Patt-McDaniel, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development, today announced that the Department will distribute approximately $11.6 million of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Community Development Block Grant Program funds through the Water and Sanitary Sewer Program. Applications may be submitted beginning today and will be accepted until the entire allocation is committed. To be eligible, interested applicants must submit an expression of interest for funding at www.recovery.ohio.gov/opportunities/state  and submit a Water and Sanitary Sewer Program application at www.development.ohio.gov. 

“Water and wastewater services are among the most indispensable benefits that a community can provide to its residents,” said Patt-McDaniel. “These funds for Water and Sanitary Sewer Program projects will help increase economic efficiency by improving critical infrastructure systems throughout Ohio.”

Water and Sanitary Sewer Program applicants must be a unit of local government in a non-entitlement community of Ohio, which includes cities with populations less than 50,000 and counties with populations less than 200,000. Projects must be ready to proceed within 120 days and provide water and/or sanitary sewer service to primarily residential users (minimum 60 percent of total users). Eligible on-site improvements include service laterals, septic tanks, well abandonment, and Community Development Block Grant Program eligible related fees.

The maximum award for public infrastructure improvements is $500,000 and the maximum award for on-site improvements is $100,000. Distribution of the funds is contingent upon approval of the Fiscal Year 2008 Ohio Consolidated Plan American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Community Development Block Grant Program Substantial Amendment by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The Department plans to submit the Substantial Amendment by the end of the month and all funds must be expended during the three-year grant period.

In addition to the State of Ohio’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Community Development Block Grant Program allocation, 43 Ohio communities received a direct allocation totaling $29.9 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. For a list of federal direct allocations, visit hud.gov/recovery.

To view the Substantial Amendment and access the Water and Sanitary Sewer Program application, visit development.ohio.gov. For more information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, visit recovery.ohio.gov.

The Community Development Block Grant Program enables local governments to undertake a wide range of activities intended to create suitable living environments, provide decent affordable housing and create economic opportunities, primarily for persons of low and moderate income.

The Water and Sanitary Sewer Program is administered by the Ohio Department of Development’s Office of Housing and Community Partnerships and helps local governments maintain, improve, and expand water and sanitary sewer systems. The program’s goal is to create a safe and sanitary living environment for Ohio citizens through the provision of safe and reliable drinking water and proper disposal of sanitary waste. Communities with documented health and safety concerns receive priority for funding.

Working with our partners across business, state and local governments, academia, and the non-profit sector, the Ohio Department of Development works to attract, create, grow, and retain businesses through competitive incentives and targeted investments. Engaged every day in marketing, innovating, investing, and collaborating, the Ohio Department of Development works at the speed of business to accelerate and support the teamwork that is absolutely necessary for success by providing financial, informational, and technical assistance to those making an investment in Ohio’s future.

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