LISBON — With the Trump administration’s freeze on federal funding temporarily blocked by a federal judge, many local communities are left questioning how their programs and projects will operate moving forward.

Millions of dollars come into Columbiana County from federal agencies, whether it’s money for infrastructure projects, aid for children, food stamps and other public assistance, Head Start and schools, but at this point, some officials aren’t sure what a federal funding freeze means for them.

“I’m waiting for guidance,” Columbiana County Department of Job and Family Services Director Rachel Ketterman said Tuesday.

The county DJFS falls under the Ohio DJFS, the Ohio Department of Medicaid and the Department of Children and Youth, which all have federal funding streams. Some of the federal funds also affect the cash assistance, child support and foster care programs.

The public assistance funds known as TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) and Title XX, which also help with Children Services and Adult Protective Services, account for at least $2.5 million in the county.

Right now, Ketterman said she doesn’t know what the federal freeze is going to do.

“It’s going to be something we’re going to work through,” Columbiana County Engineer Bert Dawson said about the federal funding freeze, noting his department had a meeting already to discuss it.

The department has several projects going already, some with federal funding awarded or promised, but Dawson said he’s confident that funding will come through. He said he thinks it’s a good thing to take stock of what’s already been committed and thinks the federal government is just stopping to take a look.

Funding for the engineer’s new garage project includes $1.5 million from the United States Department of Agriculture.

Chief Deputy Sanitary Engineer Troy Graft said he spoke with representative of USDA on Tuesday and “they don’t have answers.”

“I don’t know what the plan is right now,” he said.

At this point, he said he’s going to stay positive. He thinks the federal government will relax the freeze when it comes to infrastructure projects that drive the economy.

The Columbiana County Health Department partnered with the county Port Authority for $2 million promised from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to fund additional testing of water wells outside of the initial targeted test area in light of the East Palestine train derailment, but the money hasn’t been received yet. Columbiana County Health Commissioner Dr. Wes Vins said those dollars move through the U.S. EPA as a specific line item in the federal budget.

“We still don’t know what the impact will be for that,” Vins said.

CCPA Executive Director/CEO Penny Traina when contacted said the port received some good news Tuesday with indications that the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) will not be impacted by the federal freeze. CCPA is preparing to apply for funding from the PIDP through the U.S. Maritime Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation.

CCPA already received money for business retention programming through the Economic Development Administration Program, so she said that money is safe. As for other state programming, which may receive federal funds, she said “we have not heard anything.”

Officials with the Trump administration told the Associated Press that programs providing direct assistance to people would not be affected, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, student loans and food stamps.

In southern Columbiana County, Village of Wellsville doesn’t believe they will be affected, according to Fiscal Officer Hoi Wah. Grants and funding for the village come from the State Capital Fund. The state Route 39 rehabilitation project scheduled for next year will also not be affected, according to city officials.

Al DeAngelis, district manager, Buckeye Water District, noted that the district has been approved but has not received federal funding for two projects. They are approved for ARC Funding in the amount of $250,000 for the Hibbitts Mills Water line project and approval for a USDA loan for the construction of the district’s new administration building.

According to DeAngelis, while they have the approval they are not quite ready for the funding until the engineering on the projects is complete, so the district is not impacted at this time. But if the freeze is in place for any length of time, the projects would have to be put on hold until the freeze is removed, he said.

At East Liverpool Schools, Superintendent Jonathan Ludwig said the district will have to adapt to whatever funding it receives.

“Federal funding plays a crucial role in supporting programs like special education, Title I, and food services. While the exact financial impact of any potential cuts is unclear at this time, we are monitoring the situation closely and will work with state and federal agencies to address any monetary loss,” he said. “While we won’t overreact to hypothetical scenarios, we are prepared to adapt and adjust as needed in the best interest of our students, staff, and community. Our focus remains on maintaining the quality of education and services our families rely on, and we will continue to provide updates as more details emerge.”

David Cappuzello, superintendent of Wellsville Schools, did not respond to a request for comment.

Staff Writer Kristi R. Garabrandt contributed to this report.

mgreier@mojonews.com