WOODSFIELD — Monroe County has secured $900,000 in grant funds to benefit numerous community improvements in low- to moderate-income areas.
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners learned Monday that the county was awarded $750,000 through the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant and $150,000 through the Allocation Grant — both grants are extensions of the Community Development Block Grant program.
Ohio State University Extension Office Associate Mary Jo Westfall said the NRG is a “tremendous opportunity” for the community of Sardis, the target area selected for this year’s funds.
“There’s a lot of good projects coming out of that so it’s pretty exciting,” she said.
“… We’re just happy to be able to help the folks of Sardis and can’t wait to get started.”
The next step is for Commissioners Mick Schumacher, Diane Burkhart and Bill Bolon to sign the grant agreement. Westfall said she will begin the environmental review — a federal requirement for the funding opportunities.
“Once the environmental review is completed, we can start. I anticipate construction projects to start in the spring next year,” she said, adding that purchasing equipment for the Sardis Volunteer Fire Department and improvements to the community center can be done this winter.
The NRG projects for Sardis include street paving, flood and drainage improvements, parks and recreation facilities improvements, purchase of 10 sets of turnout gear, one ventilation fan, and four thermal imaging cameras for the Sardis Volunteer Fire Department; install a backup generator to the fire station building; replace gym floors, windows, gym lights, septic aerator pump, boiler pump/compressor, and install security cameras at the Sardis Community Center; replace back door with automatic opener and one awning and purchase 10 computers/monitors for the Dally Memorial Library; pave parking lots at the Sardis VFD building and two lots at the Sardis Community Center; install fencing around the water tank, and install a fire hydrant near the Sardis VFD building on Jill Street; and install a new sidewalk along Ohio 7 to the Sardis Community Center.
The environmental reviews require public notices and provide residents the chance to comment on the projects. She said she anticipates completing the reviews for all the projects by mid-Feburary.
Westfall said any project with an estimated cost of $50,000 or above must go out for bid. She said for the projects under that amount, they will acquire a few estimates from vendors or contractors to ensure they get a good price.
The Allocation Grant, a noncompetitive funding source, will fund three projects:
— Center Township – new pagers for Woodsfield Volunteer Fire Department, replace culverts on various township roads, and install a concrete ramp to township building;
— Monroe County Park District – concrete the driveway to Piatt Park in Center Township;
— Wayne Township – replace a small bridge, repair one road slip, and replace culverts on various township roads.
On behalf of the commissioners, Schumacher said they are thrilled they have been awarded the funds and look forward to the projects getting underway.
