Ashtabula and Geauga Counties Awarded $2 Million for Water Infrastructure Grants

COLUMBUS- State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula) is pleased to announce that Ashtabula and Geauga counties will receive an Ohio BUILDS (Broadband, Utilities, and Infrastructure for Local Development Success) Water Infrastructure Grant.

Specifically, Ashtabula County will receive a $576,640 grant to replace the existing waterline on Bishop Road, west of Old Harpersfield Road, and extend the waterline to Lafevre Road.

“Keeping our water infrastructure up-to-date is crucial for the overall well-being of our communities,” said Fowler Arthur. “By investing in our infrastructure, we are setting up the opportunities for future growth and opportunities in our communities.” 

Claridon Township, located in Geauga County, will receive $1.5 million to connect a waterline from the county’s water treatment plant to supply the U.H. Geauga Medical Center’s sterile processing area and boiler for the safety of patients and staff. The improvement will prevent the hospital from relying solely on well water, which could create unintentional and unexpected shutdowns of surgery and other services.

During the sixth round of allocations, the Ohio BUILDS Program awarded a total of $122.7 million that will fund infrastructure projects throughout 59 Ohio counties.

The Ohio BUILDS water infrastructure program is a continuation of the H2Ohio initiative launched in 2019. In the State Operating Budget for fiscal years 2024-25, the Ohio House secured $120 million over the biennium to support water quality efforts across the state through the H2Ohio program.