Tuscarawas County Receives $533,500 in State Funding for Critical Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades
June 04, 2024
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Wilkshire Hills Area Sewer Rehabilitation Project is one of 76 projects receiving state grants to address critical water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Ohio communities. In total, 59 counties will receive $122.7 million.
The funding is part of the sixth round of the Ohio BUILDS (Broadband, Utilities, and Infrastructure for Local Development Success) Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program. Funding will provide $84.5 million in support of 43 new critical infrastructure projects and $38.2 million in gap funding for 33 previously funded projects with costs that exceeded initial estimates.
Since 2021, the Ohio BUILDS Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program has provided nearly $620 million to support hundreds of local water projects in all of Ohio’s 88 counties.
“The investments we've made through this program have been transformational in many Ohio communities,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “The projects we're funding are about more than new pipes - they're about protecting the health and wellbeing of Ohioans across the state.”
The grants announced today will help reduce or eliminate the financial burden community leaders face in addressing critical infrastructure needs such as new water distribution systems, waterline extensions, water tower replacements, and new pipes and water mains. Grants will also fund projects to replace sanitary sewer systems, prevent sewer system backups, and extend sewer lines to support economic growth.
Today’s award will support the Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District (TCMSD) with the Wilkshire Hills Area Sewer Rehabilitation Project. This project will receive a $533,500 grant to return certain areas of the TCMSD’s Wilkshire Hills area to an acceptable level of sanitary sewer service. The project includes installing 6,842 feet of 8 to 12-inch cured-in-place pipe lining, point repairs/replacement of sanitary sewer lines, manhole replacement, and several lateral connection repairs. The project will reduce the inflow and infiltration entering the county system, reducing the likelihood of basement flooding. The project will benefit 1,230 people.
“Investments in our communities’ infrastructure are key to expanding sites for new businesses and housing that the people who work at these businesses will need to live and thrive,” said Lt. Jon Governor Husted. “This program is a key part of our efforts to ensure every community has the foundation in place to improve the quality of life to make Ohio a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds were appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly and awarded through three rounds in October, November, and December 2021, as well as rounds in June and July 2023. The sixth round of funding was made possible through continued support in the 2023 biennium budget bill, which included more than $120 million to support water infrastructure projects. The Ohio Department of Development administers the program.
“Whenever I travel the state, I’m inevitably greeted by Ohioans who share the transformative impact water/wastewater projects have had on their communities,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development. “But our work is far from over, and thanks to Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted, and our partners in the Ohio General Assembly, we have the opportunity to create sustainable solutions in even more parts of the state.”
The program received 703 grant applications for this round, requesting more than $1.4 billion in funding, demonstrating the continued need for water infrastructure improvements across the state.
“Tuscarawas County is grateful for the opportunity to utilize funds from this important program to improve the services we provide to our customers”, said Michael Jones, Tuscarawas County Sanitary Engineer.
In addition to water infrastructure upgrades, Ohio BUILDS strategically invests in a broad range of projects to improve quality of life and support economic growth, such as broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment, the demolition of blighted buildings, and more.
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
The Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District is committed to providing safe, high quality water services to our community, while maintaining a standard of excellence in customer service and environmental conservation.
For Immediate Release:
June 4, 2024
For more information, contact:
Mason Waldvogel
Mason.Waldvogel@development.ohio.gov
For information related to the Wilkshire Hills Area Sewer Rehabilitation Project, contact:
Michael Jones, P.E.
mjones@tcmsd.org
