By David Scheibenzuber
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Clermont County Board of Commissioners 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 Clermont County Board of Commissioners with the Middle East Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Improvements Project in the Village of Batavia, along the East Fork of the Little Miami River. The project involves replacing aging and inefficient infrastructure and increasing the plant’s wet weather treatment capacity. Key improvements include:
- Constructing headworks vortex grit removal and mechanical screening systems
- Installing aeration tank turbo blowers, piping & new blower building
- Improving return activated sludge piping
- Replacing post-aeration basin positive displacement blowers
- Building a septage receiving station and transfer pump station
- Adding a non-potable water pump and standby generator
These upgrades will improve efficiency and capacity of the plant, benefiting 72,190 residents in Clermont County.
“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 lifeto 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.
“The Middle East Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant is a very important asset to the citizens of Clermont County. It is one of the County’s largest wastewater treatment plants and treats over 2 billion gallons of wastewater each year. Parts of the treatment plant are in critical need of improvements to renovate and replace equipment. The recent Ohio Department of Development Grant, which is over 3.5 million dollars, will help provide the funds needed to complete construction of these improvements,” stated Clermont County Commissioner Bonnie Batchler.
Commissioner David Painter emphasized the environmental benefits of the grant: “Proper management of wastewater is critical to reducing impacts to the surrounding environment. This grant will increase the efficiency of the Middle East Fork Wastewater Treatment Plant and ensure continued operation in accordance with EPA guidelines.”
Adding to these points, Commissioner Claire Corcoran highlighted the broader impact on the community: “Enhancing our wastewater treatment capabilities is crucial for the sustainable development of Clermont County. This grant from the Ohio Department of Development is an essential step towards modernizing our infrastructure, ensuring reliable service, and protecting public health for years to come.”
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’speople, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work atdevelopment.ohio.gov.
For More Information Contact:
Mason Waldvogel
Mason.Waldvogel@development.ohio.gov
For Middle East Fork WWTP Improvements information, contact:
Ainsley Knapke, P.E.
aknapke@clermontcountyohio.gov
