The Adams County Board of Commissioners will receive a $2,969,440 grant to complete sanitary sewer improvements in the Cherry Fork area.

The Adams County Board of Commissioners will receive a $2,969,440 grant to complete sanitary sewer improvements in the Cherry Fork area.

News Release

The Adams County Board of Commissioners will receive a $2,969,440 grant to complete sanitary sewer improvements in the Cherry Fork area. This area was deemed a public health nuisance by the Ohio EPA. Homes in the area are currently served by on-site septic systems and are required to connect to public sewers. Project activities include installing 4,250 feet of sewer line, which will be pumped into the village of Winchester’s sewer system. The total cost for the project is estimated at $7,137,266. This grant funding along with additional funds already secured by the county, will allow this project to be constructed with no debt service being charged to the residents of Cherry Fork.

“The Adams County Board of Commissioners is thrilled to announce the receipt of $2.9 million in grant funding from the State of Ohio for vital wastewater infrastructure improvements in Cherry Fork,” siad Paul Worley, Adams County Economic Director. “This significant investment underscores our dedication to enhancing the quality of life for our residents while promoting economic growth and environmental sustainability. We are grateful that these additional funds will ensure that the residents of Cherry Fork will not have the burden of paying a debt service fee on this project.”

Cherry Fork 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.

“The investments we’ve made through this program have been transformational in many Ohio communities,” explained 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 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.

“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,” added Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “This program is a key part of our efforts to ensure every community has the foundation in place to improve the quality of life to 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.

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.

for more information, contact Paul Worley at paul.worley@adamscountyoh.gov.