Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio EPA Director Anne M. Vogel have announced the allocation of $16.7 million in H2Ohio funding to support 13 water infrastructure projects across the state. This marks the sixth round of funding through the H2Ohio initiative, a program aimed at enhancing water quality and increasing access to safe drinking water for Ohio residents.
Addressing Water Infrastructure Needs
The H2Ohio initiative focuses on regionalization, a strategy that consolidates water infrastructure to extend reliable services to underserved areas. By streamlining operations, regionalization reduces costs and improves water quality infrastructure.
“H2Ohio is making a real difference with the significant investments we are putting into reliable, clean drinking water,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects being awarded will have a huge positive impact hundreds of Ohioans, and that’s what H2Ohio is all about.”
One of the grant recipients, the Madison Water District in Richland County, will receive $378,500 to connect 200 Madison Township residents and 10 businesses to a safe public drinking water system. This project addresses longstanding challenges in the area.
“This funding addresses a very specific need in the Mansfield area,” said Director Vogel. “We’re always looking to help Ohio communities solve challenges and that’s exactly what these H2Ohio dollars will do.”
Supporting Local Communities
The Madison Water District has been collaborating with Ohio EPA for years to combat water contamination issues. “The Madison Water District is pleased to participate in a joint effort with Ohio EPA to provide safe, potable water to businesses and residents of Madison Township,” said Cheryl Casler, President of the Madison Water Board of Directors. She noted that many of these projects have spanned over two decades, with ongoing funding ensuring progress.
Other grant recipients in this round include:
- Clark County: $5 million
- Portage County: $2 million
- Ohio & Lee Water and Sewer District: $1.5 million
- South Vienna: $1.5 million
- Findlay, Gallipolis, Guernsey County, Lakeview, and Trumbull County: $1 million each
- Meigs County: $675,000
- Wintersville: $650,000
- Tuppers Plains-Chester Water District: $49,000
H2Ohio’s Broader Mission
Launched in 2019, H2Ohio is Governor DeWine’s comprehensive water quality initiative, addressing challenges such as algal blooms, pollution, and limited access to clean drinking water. The program takes a data-driven approach, supporting diverse efforts such as reducing agricultural runoff, cleaning up litter, conserving land, and revitalizing water infrastructure.
These latest grants highlight H2Ohio’s continued commitment to improving water quality and accessibility for Ohio’s residents while addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges. With these investments, the program is fostering healthier communities and strengthening the state’s ability to meet its water needs.
