KENTON, OH (WLIO) - Residents in Kenton can expect to see some new developments in the future.
The Ohio Department of Development and the Environmental Protection Agency are partnering to bring some new developments to downtown Kenton. Kenton Mayor Lynn Webb met with Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik and State Representative Jon Cross, a Kenton native, today to take a tour of the downtown area. The city is receiving more than 5.5 million dollars in funding from the state to make infrastructure improvements to the historic courthouse district. Both Kenton and state officials know how important this development is to the city and the State of Ohio as a whole.
"Why would anybody invest in a community that isn't willing to invest in itself? Kenton is doing a wonderful job right now of reimagining its downtown. And the great news is that the private sector is watching and paying attention. So you know, look there is a major project underway that is going to enhance not only the business environment here but the overall quality of life," said Lydia Mihalik, Ohio Department of Development Director.
"We are so humbly grateful that we're on the receiving end of it because we believe we are that city on the hill. We believe that we are going to be that town that people just is, this is what we call home. And then when people come here to visit, it feels homey," said Lynn Webb, Mayor of Kenton.
Improvements to Kenton's downtown will include updates to nine blocks of the downtown area's sewer, storm, and water mains.
January 22, 2024 Press Release from the Ohio Department of Development: (COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik and representatives from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency visited Kenton today to learn how state investments in critical infrastructure are helping local leaders revitalize the city’s downtown.
Kenton Mayor Lynn Webb (far right) speaks alongside Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik and Rep. Jon Cross (83rd District) at Twirl, a longtime business in the heart of downtown Kenton.
Last summer, the Department of Development awarded Kenton $5 million in Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant funding toward water and sewer system upgrades to the nine-block area surrounding the historic Hardin County Courthouse. This funding, combined with an additional $500,000 in support from the Ohio EPA, is replacing aging pipes and outdated infrastructure and propelling the city’s downtown revitalization efforts.
“When we say our mission is empowering communities to succeed, this is exactly what we’re talking about,” said Director Mihalik. “Infrastructure projects like these may not always be glamorous, but they are undeniably vital for the economic prosperity of our communities. Mayor (Lynn) Webb made it clear this initiative is a cornerstone of her team’s plan to reimagine downtown Kenton.”
“We appreciate Governor DeWine’s leadership and the support of the General Assembly that enables sister agencies to partner with Ohio communities on important projects like this,” said Director Vogel. “It’s exciting to see Ohio EPA funds go farther when combined with the resources that Director Mihalik and the Department of Development bring to the table to ensure a healthier, more prosperous Ohio.”
The downtown sewer, storm, and water mains are some of the oldest in the city, with much of the infrastructure long beyond its useful life. This project includes installing 12-inch water mains on Franklin, Main, Columbus, and Detroit streets and 8-inch mains on Market, Carroll, Wayne, and Ohio streets. A new redundant 12-inch main will also be installed under the Scioto River to provide a reliable connection to the treatment plant.
Funding will also cover a proposed project to repair and/or replace all sewer-related infrastructure, including water mains and storm and sanitary sewers, to reduce the number of breaks and inflow and infiltration into sewers.
Once the underground work is complete, the city will bring its plans to the surface and begin a complete redesign of Kenton’s downtown streetscape. Above-ground upgrades such as street lamps, mid-block crossings, curb extensions, rain gardens, additional signage, and trees will improve pedestrian safety and comfort while mitigating the impact of truck traffic and creating a more aesthetically pleasing environment.
Today’s visit was highlighted by a tour of the project area, led by Kenton Mayor Lynn Webb, and conversations with several downtown business owners about what these investments will mean to the local economy and the well-being of the community as a whole. Rep. Jon Cross (R-Findlay) also joined the tour.
“We are beyond thankful for the partnerships we have with the Department of Development and the EPA. These investments are helping propel Kenton forward, and we are so excited about the future,” said Kenton Mayor Lynn Webb. “The commitment to our local infrastructure is a commitment to the prosperity and well-being of our community.”
The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency was created in 1972 to consolidate efforts to protect and improve air quality, water quality and waste management in Ohio. Since then, air pollutants dropped by as much as 90 percent; large rivers meeting standards improved from 21 percent to 89 percent; and hundreds of polluting, open dumps were replaced with engineered landfills and an increased emphasis on waste reduction and recycling.
