Earlier this month, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio Department of Development announced nearly $11 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations to support community development projects in 51 communities across the state. The City of Sidney will receive $150,000 as a part of this program.

With the funds, $74,000 will be allocated to repair or replace sanitary sewer and water service connections for single-family homes where the owners qualify as low- and moderate-income. The city will also use $50,000 of available funds to replace a shelter at Riverbend Park. The remaining $26,000 has been allocated for grant administration and the city’s Fair Housing Program.

To be eligible for the sanitary sewer or water service line replacement program, the applicant must meet all three program criteria:

•  Meet or be below annual household income guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Own the home where the improvements need to be made 
• Completed a sewer lateral inspection and have submitted the information to the city’s Underground Utilities division OR have determined that the water service line to the home is lead pipe.

Funds will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The date that the pre-application form is submitted will be considered the application date. Applicants will need to complete a full application prior to award/contracting, including income verification. The city expects to receive the funding mid-2026 and applications for the Sanitary Sewer | Water Service Line program will then be made available.

The city has used portions of its CDBG Allocation Grant funds for the sanitary sewer or water service line replacement program since Fiscal Year 2015.

The new shelter at Riverbend Park will replace one estimated to be over 30 years old. The city uses this shelter as a site for its annual Summer Food Program.