Five things to know for Tuesday, Nov. 25
Gov. Mike DeWine, Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther, and Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Director John Logue announced a new partnership to replace lead and galvanized service lines at licensed childcare facilities served by Columbus Water & Power.
State announces $24 million for jail grants
The state is doling out more than $24 million in taxpayer-funded grants to cover the cost of construction and renovation projects at three jails. The state is giving Montgomery County $13 million, Stark County $7.5 million, and Clark County roughly $4 million.
The funding, which is part of the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program, helps local jurisdictions pay for improvements at “functionally obsolete and structurally failing jails.” It has given more than $230 million in funding to nearly 70 jail projects.
State kicking in $500,000 to eliminate lead pipes
A new partnership will replace lead and galvanized service lines at licensed childcare facilities that Columbus Water & Power serves.
As part of the H2Ohio initiative, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency awarded Columbus $500,000 to remove lead service lines serving daycares as part of a bid to replace lead pipes in the city.
State planning $88 million for brownfield remediation in fiscal 2026
The Ohio Department of Development plans to give away $88 million in grants in fiscal 2026 as part of its Brownfield Remediation Program. Counties, municipalities, port authorities, land banks, and for-profit organizations can apply for the grants, which they can use to help clean up and redevelop brownfield sites.
Officials said that $1 million is reserved for each county until June 30. After that time, the state will redistribute any remaining tax dollars for fiscal 2027.
Refinancing bonds saves taxpayers $23 million
Ohio Office of Budget and Management officials said they saved taxpayers $23 million by refinancing $189.2 million in bonds used for public college and university infrastructure projects.
Ohio awards money for railroads
The Ohio Rail Development Commission approved more than $18.1 million for eight railroad projects during its bi-monthly meeting. The projects include rehabilitation, expansion, and crossing elimination projects.
Coupled with private investments, the projects represent $81 million in investments, the commission said.
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