WOODSFIELD — Monroe County will soon be able to complete numerous community improvement projects thanks to securing $750,000 in federal grant funding.

The county has been awarded the full amount requested through the Neighborhood Revitalization Grant.

The NRG, an extension of the Community Development Block Grant program, is a competitive funding source that aims to improve low-to moderate-income communities through funding various projects.

Mary Jo Westfall, Ohio State University Extension Office associate, said the county received the full amount requested which is the maximum amount the program offers per county.

“It’s so exciting to be able to help people with these projects and we can’t wait to get started,” she said.

The target area that will be helped this year through the funding opportunity is Center Township, including the village of Woodsfield. The projects will include:

∫ Street improvements including replacing and installing road signs on various township roads – $11,000;

∫ Flood and drainage facilities including replacing culverts on various township roads – $145,400;

∫ Parks and recreation facilities including paving the walking trail; seal, paint lines and install netting on the tennis court – $159,900;

∫ Fire protection facilities and equipment including replacing 14 fire hydrants – $216,500;

∫ Neighborhood facilities including replacing the roof, repointing brickwork and masonry work on the Monroe Theatre – $279,300;

∫ General administration – $19,600.

The total cost of all six projects is $831,700. Although the grant will cover the majority of the project’s cost, the remaining $81,700 will come from the Revolving Loan Funds.

“We’re required to spend that (Revolving Loan Funds) down. It’s been inactive for several years and they want that money spent,” Westfall said of the loan funds the county is required to spend.

Westfall said most of the project’s construction will begin in the spring.

“It’s too late in the year now to start construction on the projects that require construction,” she said. “It will be good to get started on those.”

The NRG allows 24 months for projects to be completed. The county has until August 2022 to complete all the community improvements.

“I don’t know if it’ll take that long, I’m hoping to get most of them (projects) done next year but we have until the end of August 2022 to finish if we need it,” she said.