Wayne County is taking steps to secure a $140,000 grant through the Ohio Department of Agriculture. The county intends to become a local sponsor in the 2024 Clean Ohio Local Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (LAEPP).
This grant, if approved, will play a crucial role in preserving the agricultural landscape around Wayne County. The funds will be allocated to convert and conserve land for agricultural use, with an estimated cost of about $2,000 per acre.
The LAEPP program, managed by the Ohio Department of Agriculture's Office of Farmland Preservation, aims to protect farmland and promote its use for agricultural purposes.
In other recent actions, the County Commissioners made several notable decisions. They approved resolutions related to social services block grants, county bills, and county home bills. Additionally, they authorized fund transfers, appropriations for county departments, and a resolution for the Rita Bauer Dush Plat in Wooster Township.
The Commissioners also expanded a contract with United Survey, Inc. for the Wastewater System Improvements 2021 Project and adopted a Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan, aimed at supporting low- and middle-income individuals in housing.
The Wayne County Engineer was given the green light to request and advertise for Engineering Technical Proposals for a Safe Streets & Roads for All Grant project. Lastly, the Ohio Department of Transportation was authorized to apply for the Inflation Reduction Act Grant to fund the Wayne County Amish Buggy Safety Project, which will create dedicated buggy lanes along Kidron Road.
These initiatives underscore Wayne County's commitment to agricultural preservation, community welfare, and infrastructure improvement.
Photo Credit: Ohio Department of Agriculture
Categories: Ohio, Government & Policy