Rep. McNally Announces H2Ohio Grant of $47,300 for Smith Township

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown) today announced $47,300 in funding for Smith Township from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) H2Ohio grant program to support road salt management by upgrading equipment or salt storage facilities. 

“It is definitely notable that the state made additional awards from this program and is recognizing the need from local governments,” said Rep. McNally. “As we think about future state programs and funding in next year’s budget, this should be among the many programs we make sure to protect or expand.” 

The award to Smith Township is among the second round of grant funding from the H2Ohio Public Water System Equipment grants, mini grants for drinking water system equipment needs in communities across the state.  The program is intended to strengthen the ability of public water systems to reduce leaks, purchase critical equipment, evaluate rates, and successfully operate into the future. Additionally, the program helps local municipalities with equipment upgrades that will prevent the over application of salt on Ohio roads and reduce the amount of salt running off into Ohio’s streams, rivers, and lakes. 

More than 250 Ohio communities, representing 78 counties in the state, received a total of $2.2 million in assistance with equipment purchases in the first round, including $30,000 in Ohio’s 59th district for Salem, Sebring, and Youngstown. $2.7 million will be awarded to 52 communities around the state to upgrade equipment and salt storage facilities as part of the second round, helping prevent over application of salt on Ohio roads and reduce runoff into waterways.