One step closer to completion

Washington County Sewer Project to receive $750,000 in funding

An announcement was made Friday afternoon that the Washington County Sewer Project would receive $750,000 in funding through H2Ohio.

Announced by Gov. Mike DeWine, the project which will connect approximately 500 homes in Devola to a county sewer, was part of $3.7 million in funding. These grants will go to help improve drinking water or to repair or replace aging water and wastewater infrastructures, the press release noted.

Washington County commissioners said they heard of the funding Thursday afternoon.

"Clearly we're thrilled," said Commission President Kevin Ritter. "I believe that award is the highest in the state of Ohio this year."

Ritter said he wanted to thank the governor's office for making the monies available to the citizens of Southeast Ohio.

"This award brings the total of grant and (American Rescue Plan Act) monies committed to the Devola Project to over $4 million," he said. "Early this year the Board of Commissioners redoubled our effort to try to bring in money to help offset the cost of the project and that hard work is now bearing fruit."

Commissioner Charlie Schilling echoed Ritter's appreciation for the funding.

"I want to thank Gov. DeWine's office and also the Ohio EPA for awarding Washington County $750,000 from H2Ohio funding for the Devola Sewer project," he said. "I think the commissioners have shown that we want to provide good communication to those offices in regards to our challenges here in Washington County."

He said information provided to state officials during a roundtable meeting in August "went a long way in their decision for this award."

"We had those offices and several other public offices represented there that day and the presentation proved to them that our residents need some assistance on this project," Schilling said.

Commissioner Jamie Booth said he was excited about the news.

"Approximately two months ago, Washington County commissioners invited representatives from the state and federal government to our area," he said. "These folks were shown the challenges not only of funding, but installation of the Washington County Sewer Project."

He said during the meeting, they spent half the day touring the Devola area and the other half looking at the plan of installation, as well as funding challenges.

"By everyone working together … federal, state and local representatives … we are 3/4 of a million dollars closer to get this project paid for," Booth said. "This will help all of Washington County residents by not having to pass the burden of this very expensive project."

He added he also wanted to thank Gov. DeWine, (Ohio EPA Deputy Director) Jerry Rouch, and (Ohio EPA Assistant Chief) Jonathan Bernstein for their work in helping the county.

U.S. Rep. Bill Johnson, R-Ohio, listed the sewer project as one of his personal projects to receive federal funding. He said the matter has passed the House of Representatives and is now in the Senate.

"They have not yet acted on it," he said, noting the Senate has been focused on a combination nfrastructure, social reengineering and reconciliation package. "(The sewer) project should be completely funded under what we've got in the appropriations process."

The Noble County Water Authority also received $135,000 in H2Ohio funding. The money will be used to support the extension of approximately 97,000 feet of water lines to connect an estimated 130 residences and businesses to the existing water main located along Sarahsville Road. This project will provide safe drinking water to residents who currently do not have a safe and reliable supply, the funding announcement stated.

Michele Newbanks can be reached at

mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.

At a glance:

¯ Washington County Sewer Project received $750,000 in funding.

¯ H2Ohio grants are going to help improve drinking water or repair/replace wastewater infrastructure.

¯ Some $3.7 million in grants announced Friday afternoon.

Source: Times research.