Press Release written and provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA): Columbus, Ohio, Dec. 11, 2024 – U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Ohio State Director Jonathan McCracken today announced an investment of $22.4 million in loans and grants to four Ohio recipients that are intended to improve Ohio’s rural electric, water, and solid waste management infrastructure. “Ohio Rural Development is committed to increasing investments in Ohio’s rural communities to ensure that they continue to have access to essential services like clean water and reliable, affordable power,” said McCracken. “These investments today underscore USDA’s commitment to ensuring our rural communities have the resources they need to be competitive, sustain economic growth, and improve the quality of life for their residents.”

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources unveiled a newly completed wetland project in Allen County. Area residents and partners gathered to tour the Baughman Project, which spans 19 acres in the northern part of the county near the Allen Oakwood Prison. Over the last year, native vegetation was planted, basins were dug, and pipes were put in place to create 3 main wetlands areas. The hope is these additions will drastically reduce flooding, which has been negatively impacting the surrounding roads, neighborhoods, and property values for around 30 years.

September 19, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine: (COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced that nearly three dozen communities will receive funding to complete critical infrastructure and neighborhood improvement projects that enhance the quality of life for Ohioans. More than $18.2 million in Neighborhood Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure grants will be awarded to 34 communities for projects such as upgraded water and sewer infrastructure, road and sidewalk replacement, park improvements, recreation enhancements, new fire trucks, and more.

September 19, 2024, Press Release from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources: COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Water Resources is urging the public to use water resources wisely due to dry conditions across Ohio. The division is working with partners to monitor the ongoing impacts of drought across the entire state. Water is a shared resource, making the consequences of drought diverse and complex. Potential impacts can include reduced agricultural production, decreased transportation on major rivers, limitations on municipal water supply, challenges in maintaining water quality, stress on wildlife, and reduction of recreation.

July 11, 2024, Press Release from Casey Heilman, Allen Soil and Water Conservation District Administrator: Taking care of storm drains is not only important to reducing flooding but is also important to the health of the Ottawa River. The Allen Soil and Water Conservation District is urging you to “adopt” the storm drain in front of your home. Make it part of your weekly lawn maintenance to check your storm drain. By taking care of this drain, you can help reduce the amount of debris entering the Ottawa River.

The City of Lima is getting state dollars to make improvements to the city's water infrastructure. The money comes from the state's "Ohio BUILDS" program. "BUILDS" stands for broadband, utilities, and infrastructure for local development success. Lima is receiving 1.6 million dollars from a water and wastewater infrastructure grant. It will go towards equipment upgrades and replacements to minimize the chance of sewer overflows and contamination of the local watershed in the event of a power loss. They will renovate 5-river gate structures and install a new generator at each.

Residents of the City of Lima, businesses and non-residential property owners who plant tree this year can take advantage of a 50% rebate on the cost of the trees and having them professionally planted. There are 69 species on the list of approved trees, ranging from the beautiful dogwood to the majestic oak. Eligible trees must be 1.5 to 3 inches in diameter. Every tree that is planted will contribute to improved water quality in our community. Trees intercept rainwater and reduce stormwater runoff. Their extensive root system helps to filter out pollutants. Trees also provide shade to homes, keeping them cooler and saving energy.

May 16, 2024, Press Release from the Office of Ohio Governor Mike DeWine: (COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio EPA announced today $2.2 million in H2Ohio grants for more than 250 communities in 78 counties to help pay for equipment needed to maintain public drinking water distribution systems.