Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today that 52 communities across the state will receive $2.7 million in H2Ohio grants. This funding is aimed at upgrading equipment and salt storage facilities to mitigate chloride contamination from road salt. This is the second round of grants awarded under the H2Ohio Chloride Reduction Grant Program.
Addressing Winter Road Salt Challenges
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of road salt during winter months while also highlighting the need to protect Ohio’s waterways from chloride contamination. “Road salt is a necessity during the winter months, but it’s also a necessity that we do all we can to keep our waterways free from chloride contamination,” said Governor DeWine. “Through this grant program, we’re helping local communities with equipment that efficiently spreads salt in a way that better protects our water.”
High Demand Prompts Second Funding Round
The first round of H2Ohio Chloride Reduction grants was announced in May, benefiting over 30 municipalities and communities. Due to high demand, a second round of funding was initiated to assist additional local governments in improving their salt management infrastructure. These upgrades will help prevent the over-application of salt on Ohio roads and reduce runoff into waterways.
“We knew that our communities could put this money to good use,” stated Ohio EPA Director Anne Vogel. “The initial response was overwhelming, and we appreciate the continued support from Governor DeWine and Ohio’s General Assembly in funding H2Ohio so that we can fund more applications. In less than a year, more than $4 million has helped cities and towns in every corner of Ohio to be protective of our waterways when it comes to salt application on our roadways.”
Washington Township Among Grant Recipients
Washington Township in Montgomery County is one of the 52 communities receiving grant funding. “This grant allows Washington Township to upgrade our salt trucks with pre-wetting equipment, meaning we can stretch taxpayers’ dollars by reducing the amount of salt we use in the winter months and maximizing the effectiveness of the salt that is being used,” said Township Trustee President Scott Paulson. “We are pleased to have Ohio EPA as a partner as we continue to provide exceptional services to residents while also being environmentally and fiscally responsible.”
Comprehensive Statewide Effort
The $2.7 million in grants will benefit local governments in 34 counties across Ohio, including Ashland, Athens, Champaign, Clermont, Clinton, Columbiana, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Hamilton, Henry, Hocking, Jackson, Lake, Lawrence, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Medina, Montgomery, Muskingum, Putnam, Sandusky, Trumbull, Union, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Williams, and Wood.
Eligible equipment for the grants includes live-edge blades, salt spreader control systems, brine mixers, and structural upgrades to salt storage facilities to prevent groundwater contamination. Municipalities, townships, counties, and other governmental agencies could apply for single grants of up to $75,000.
Ongoing Efforts to Protect Ohio’s Waters
Governor DeWine announced the creation of the H2Ohio Chloride Reduction Grant Program in December 2023, as part of ongoing efforts to protect Ohio’s rivers. H2Ohio is a comprehensive statewide water quality initiative launched in 2019, aimed at addressing complex water issues. The program focuses on reducing algal blooms, stopping pollution, improving access to clean drinking water, supporting best farming practices, creating wetlands, reducing road salt runoff, removing dams, and revitalizing water infrastructure.
For more information about the H2Ohio program and its initiatives, visit h2.ohio.gov.
