MOUNT VERNON – The city of Mount Vernon applied for funding for six water and wastewater projects from Ohio Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program.

The city was among more than 1,200 grant funding requests in 2021 that sought almost $1.4 billion in utility infrastructure funding. In that initial funding, the villages of Danville and Centerburg in Knox County received grants.

A second round of funding became available when Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 45 on Jan. 6, adding $250 million to the program. A week later, the Ohio Department of Development told Mount Vernon and other previous applicants that they would be eligible for this second round of funding. The city provided the state with updated information to confirm its eligibility.

The city applied for grant funding for six infrastructure projects through this program: 

• Buckeye Addition waterline extension
• Clintonville Subdivision storm, wastewater and waterline improvements
• Wastewater treatment plant improvements
• Pittsburgh Avenue waterline extension
• Fairgrounds Road water and wastewater line extension
• Parrot Street wastewater line extension

The state created the grant program to reduce or eliminate the costs to local governments associated with critical infrastructure needs, such as the construction of new water systems, the replacement of aging waterlines, and the installation of new water mains. Grants also fund projects to prevent sewer system backups and replace failing household sewage treatment systems with new sewers.

“Water quality isn’t just about protecting our health; it’s also about our quality of life and our economic future,” Lt. Gov. Jon Husted said.