COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Two Southeast Ohio counties will receive a combined $1.5 million in state-administered federal grants for neighborhood improvements and infrastructure projects, part of $17.5 million awarded to 32 Ohio communities.
Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced the awards, which include funding for projects in Monroe and Noble counties.
Monroe County will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant to assist Bethel Township with several improvements benefiting its 270 residents.
The funding will help pay for construction of a new volunteer fire and EMS station, emergency response equipment, replacement of failing roadway culverts, and ADA-accessible parking spaces at the community center. Other planned improvements include resurfacing the community basketball court, installing a playground safety fence and replacing the pavilion roof.
Noble County also will receive a $750,000 Neighborhood Revitalization grant. The funding will assist the village of Summerfield with improvements expected to benefit 215 residents.
Planned work includes installing ADA-compliant access points at the village community center, adding a swing set at Farley Park and replacing sidewalks and culvert infrastructure on selected village roads.
The statewide awards include $7.5 million in Neighborhood Revitalization grants shared among 10 communities and $10 million in Critical Infrastructure grants awarded to 22 communities.
Among the additional regional awards, Licking County will receive a $500,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to help the village of Hartford replace a deteriorating culvert on North High Street. The project is expected to benefit 460 people.
The grants support projects such as water and sewer improvements, flood and drainage work, road and sidewalk reconstruction, and park enhancements.
The funding comes through the federal Community Development Block Grant program.
Last Updated on November 6, 2026 by AVC News
