SAVANNAH — The village of Savannah is in line to receive a $750,000 state grant to address various projects.
The governor’s office on Friday announced that Savannah is one of 26 communities across the state awarded nearly $13.8 million in Neighborhood Revitalization and Critical Infrastructure grants.
Savannah plans to use the money, administered through the Ashland County Board of Commissioners office, to install a basketball and pickleball court, restroom facilities, sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian beacons and a digital outdoor sign.
The money will also address the reconstruction of Haney Street and new sidewalks throughout the village.
“It’s good news for Savannah,” said Bruce Richards, the village’s administrator.
Richards said this grant represents the largest the village has received to address multiple projects. He also mentioned a state grant the village is in line to receive to build a sidewalk.
“But this ($750,000) will actually touch on more residents than just the sidewalk,” Richards said.
Nikki Hiller, the county’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) administrator, said she awaits more grant documents from the state before knowing a definitive timeline for the project.
Each project will likely require a public bidding process.
The county commissioners office serves as the CDBG sponsor, meaning commissioners submitted the grant on Savannah’s behalf.
CDBG is a federal grant program.
“With this funding, we’re strengthening the foundations of our communities,” said Gov. Mike DeWine in a press release announcing the round of funding. “These projects will improve water and sewer systems, upgrade local parks and streets, and help ensure every Ohioan — and every family — can live in a safer, stronger neighborhood.”