$392.8 Million Released for Local Government Infrastructure Projects Across Ohio
$392.8 Million Released for Local Government Infrastructure Projects Across Ohio
Funding includes targeted support for small communities through the Small Government Program
(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) has officially released project agreements for its most recent annual round of infrastructure funding, delivering $392.8 million for critical local infrastructure projects.
In total, 678 projects were awarded to communities in 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties. The funded projects span several essential categories:
- Roads: $256.4 million
- Water supply: $64.1 million
- Wastewater: $35.4 million
- Bridges and culverts: $23.5 million
- Stormwater: $13.4 million
View the complete list of projects by district committee and county.
Spotlight on Ohio’s Small Government Program
Local government projects are initially selected by the state’s 19 district integrating committees based on several factors, including health and safety, age and condition, and the number of users.
To ensure smaller communities are not overshadowed by larger metropolitan areas, district committees submit unfunded projects from communities with populations of 5,000 or fewer for consideration through the specialized OPWC Small Government Program.
Of the project agreements released, 89 are funded through the Small Government Program, delivering $37.4 million directly to Ohio’s smallest villages and townships. This dedicated funding helps rural and smaller jurisdictions maintain safe, reliable infrastructure regardless of their size.
Director’s Statement
“Every year, we see firsthand how much these investments mean to communities across Ohio,” said Abbey DeHart, OPWC director. “The district committees put in a tremendous amount of work to identify the projects that will make the biggest difference, and we’re grateful for their partnership. This funding helps communities stay safe, strengthen their local infrastructure, and prepare for the future. We’re proud to support that work.”
Currently funding is closed, but will the application period will open back up this fall.
Townships apply to their individual district for OPWC funding. If a project is not successful through the standard district process, it may be forwarded to the Small Government Program for a second opportunity at funding. District deadlines vary but generally are in early to mid-fall. Applications submitted this fall will be rated, ranks, and scored, with funded projects released July 1, 2027. Township officials can view district information and deadlines by clicking here.
OPWC Program staff will also conduct virtual Summer Office Hours for applicants and in addition, is also offering several virtual training courses via Microsoft Teams:
- Thursday, July 16 at 11:00 a.m. - Loan Recipient Virtual Training
- Thursday, July 30 at 10:00 a.m. - How to Apply for OPWC Infrastructure Funding
- Wednesday, August 12 at 1:00 p.m. - Best Practices for Submitting OPWC Disbursements
- Thursday, January 14, 2027, at 9:30 a.m. - Small Government Application Process
We encourage you to become familiar with the process and attend the Summer Office Hours or trainings to get your questions answered, so that you are ready to apply in the fall for this great funding opportunity!
Questions may be directed to contact@pwc.ohio.gov. View OPWC's full press release here.