COLUMBUS — Salem, Lisbon and Wellsville were among 49 communities across the state of Ohio that will benefit from $10.9 million in allocations to support community development projects, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced Tuesday.

“Every dollar we invest in local infrastructure strengthens the fabric of Ohio’s towns and cities, making them even better places to live, work, and raise families,” DeWine said of the funding that will assist communities in completing a variety of infrastructure improvements and public services aimed at spurring economic growth and improving the quality of life for residents.

According to a joint press release, eligible infrastructure improvement projects include street repairs, sidewalk improvements, parks and recreation facilities, water and sewer line replacements, and community centers. Public service projects include funding for programs such as Meals on Wheels, health and wellness, and housing and homelessness assistance.

“Many places in Ohio are attracting new business and residential investments and it’s essential that our communities upgrade their infrastructure to match this growth,” Husted said. “It is also true that if you want to attract new economic investment, you need to make sure the infrastructure is in place to make your community attractive. Both of these scenarios exist in Ohio and we are helping communities prepare for new opportunities through these investments.”

Columbiana County — one of 49 recipient counties — is set to receive $490,000 to conduct street resurfacing in the city of Lisbon, benefiting 150 people. The county will also provide funding for the city of Salem to conduct street resurfacing and sidewalk improvements by installing ADA-accessible ramps, benefiting 335 people. Additionally, the county will provide funding to the village of Wellsville to conduct street resurfacing, which will benefit the entire community of 3,460 people.

“Our goal is to uplift Ohio’s communities, from enhancing public spaces to ensuring safe and accessible infrastructure,” said Mihalik. “This funding empowers local leaders to address pressing needs, paving the way for sustained economic development and an improved quality of life for their residents.”

The funds are made possible through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Program.

“Cities and counties considered U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development non-entitlement communities are eligible to apply for funds biannually, the news release explained. “Ohio’s 101 eligible communities are divided between even and odd years of funding, with 49 communities receiving a total of $10,997,450 for 2024.”

selverd@mojonews.com