SHILOH — Additional funding for Shiloh’s three-phase, $1.7 million water project has been awarded to the village through a state grant program.
The village will receive a $500,000 grant — which is part of the sixth round of the Ohio BUILDS (Broadband, Utilities and Infrastructure for Local Development Success) Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program.
Shiloh will use funds to improve waterlines, upgrade meters and demolish a local water tower, according to a press release issued May 31 by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
The program received 703 grant applications for round six, requesting more than $1.4 billion in funding, the release said.
Bryan VerBurg, Shiloh village administrator, announced the news to Shiloh Village Council during its regular meeting Tuesday evening.
He said the village applied for the grant twice — prior to its acceptance at the end of May — and is proud of Shiloh’s perseverance to secure the additional funding.
Project to benefit 650 people
According to the state’s release, water lines in Shiloh’s system have rusty connections, with breaks occurring frequently.
Water shutoffs and boil advisories are well above average for the system, and staff are constantly dealing with breaks, valve malfunctions and antiquated water hydrants.
Shiloh has limited manpower to make constant repairs and must rely on neighboring village employees to help. The project will benefit 650 people.
The three-phase, $1.7 million water project includes installing water meters for all village customers; fire hydrant and valve replacement; dismantling the old water tower; and replacing the Main Street water line.
Dirt Dawg Excavating from Ashland was awarded the bid for the majority of the work at $1,696,939. Iseler Demolition Inc. from Port Hope, Mich., had the lowest bid for the water tower demolition at $70,700.
Iseler Demolition successfully demolished the water tower two months ago.
During Village Council’s regular meeting on April 23, VerBurg said work was completed swiftly and safely.
On Tuesday, he acknowledged residents’ mixed emotions regarding the iconic tower coming down.
“Yes, it was a historical thing to the community — but it was also a liability to the community,” he said.
Water project grant funding approaching $1.5 million
A total approaching $1.5 million in grant funding has been secured, VerBurg said.
The project will be partially funded through $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds awarded by county commissioners and $499,000 through a Ohio Public Works Commission grant obtained with the help of the Richland County Regional Planning Commission.
Additionally, the village entered a water supply revolving loan account (WSRLA) with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to secure remaining funds needed.
Residents will also see an increase in their water bills to help pay for the work.
On Tuesday, the administrator echoed comments he made in November 2023, explaining it’s too soon to tell if the increased rates can be rolled back.
Furthermore, VerBurg — while making no promises — said the recently awarded grant funds could lower the final amount Shiloh borrows from the Ohio EPA.
“That’s the hope,” he said Tuesday. “That should help along the way. Just remember that the project, until it gets all done, the numbers will not be complete.”
“We can have estimates all day long, but estimates, at the end of the day, just don’t work out until we have numbers we can give the residents.”
(Below is a PDF outlining each project — around the state — included in round six of the Ohio BUILDS Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Grant Program.)
