By Andi Anderson
Good news flows for Coshocton residents! The city has secured a much-needed $1 million grant from the H2Ohio initiative to tackle a critical water infrastructure project. This vital funding will go towards replacing 4,000 feet of aging waterlines on Chestnut Street, a project spurred by a July break that temporarily closed the road.
Mayor Mark Mills hails the grant as a significant step forward, covering over half the project's estimated $1.9 million cost. This paves the way for securing additional grant funds or pursuing a low-interest loan to complete the project. Notably, Coshocton already received a $121,424 loan for project design from the Ohio Water Development Authority in October.
H2Ohio, launched in 2019, prioritizes water infrastructure upgrades in underserved communities, wetland creation, and curbing agricultural runoff into Lake Erie. Recently, its scope expanded to encompass river health improvement and optimized road salt storage practices to minimize waterway pollution.
This is not Coshocton's first H2Ohio success. In 2020, the city received $500,000 for a waterline expansion project to West Lafayette. Moreover, Coshocton is actively positioning itself as a regional water supplier, with ongoing expansion projects towards Warsaw and potentially Conesville in the pipeline.
Coshocton's proactive approach to infrastructure improvement and regional water supply paves the way for a more resilient and connected future. The H2Ohio grant serves as a testament to the city's commitment to these crucial endeavors, ensuring cleaner water and a brighter outlook for its residents and neighbors.
Photo Credit: H2Ohio
Categories: Ohio, General