On Tuesday, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced that 49 communities across 45 counties will share $10.9 million in funding to support local infrastructure improvements and public services. Among the recipients is the City of Delaware, which will receive $166,000 for significant street improvements in the Fair Avenue area.
This funding, provided through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Allocation Program, will help Delaware reconstruct or repave thousands of feet of local streets. The project is expected to benefit approximately 1,300 residents, enhancing mobility and supporting the city’s ongoing growth.
The City of Delaware will supplement the grant with $644,100 in additional funding from local sources, including a portion of a previously awarded Critical Infrastructure grant. These combined resources will ensure the project’s success and contribute to the city’s broader infrastructure goals.
Statewide Investment in Communities
“Every dollar we invest in local infrastructure strengthens the fabric of Ohio’s towns and cities, making them even better places to live, work, and raise families,” said Governor DeWine during the announcement.
Lt. Governor Husted highlighted the importance of these projects for economic development, noting, “It is essential that our communities upgrade their infrastructure to match growth. If you want to attract new economic investment, you need to make sure the infrastructure is in place to make your community attractive.”
Eligible projects under the program include street repairs, sidewalk enhancements, park and recreation facilities, and water and sewer upgrades. The funding also supports public service initiatives like Meals on Wheels, housing assistance, and wellness programs.
Director Lydia Mihalik underscored the impact of the grants: “This funding empowers local leaders to address pressing needs, paving the way for sustained economic development and an improved quality of life for their residents.”
About the CDBG Allocation Program
Funded biannually, the CDBG Allocation Program supports Ohio’s 101 eligible non-entitlement communities. These are areas that do not receive direct funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and instead rely on state-administered grants. For 2024, 49 communities were selected to receive a total of $10,997,450.
The City of Delaware’s allocation exemplifies how targeted funding can address critical infrastructure needs while improving the quality of life for residents. This project will not only upgrade essential infrastructure but also ensure the city remains a competitive and welcoming community for families and businesses alike.
Local Impact in Delaware
The grant for the City of Delaware will directly impact the Fair Avenue area, where thousands of feet of streets will either be repaved or fully reconstructed. This project aims to reduce road hazards, provide smoother travel for drivers, and improve pedestrian accessibility with sidewalk enhancements.
Approximately 1,300 residents are expected to benefit from these improvements, with safer streets and more reliable infrastructure increasing their quality of life. Local officials have expressed their optimism, emphasizing that these updates are part of a broader plan to ensure the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with its population growth.
“The improvements we’re making with the help of this grant will not only make our streets safer but also serve as a foundation for future development in our community,” said a city spokesperson. “We’re grateful for the state’s support in making Delaware an even better place to live.”
Local Infrastructure
As Delaware continues to grow, strategic investments in infrastructure will be crucial for sustaining economic vitality and quality of life. The $166,000 CDBG grant—augmented by the city’s own funds—is just one step in a broader vision to support residents and attract new businesses to the area.
Projects like this show the importance of federal and state cooperation in addressing local needs. With both Delaware and other Ohio communities benefiting from the CDBG program, the broader impact across the state is a reaffirmation of the critical role infrastructure plays in community development.
Source: Office of Governor DeWine
