Soil and water septic program set to help residents | News, Sports, Jobs

STEUBENVILLE — As it has for the past several years, the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District is set to help county residents replace or repair failing septic systems.

Thursday at the board of commissioners meeting, the district’s Natural Resources Specialist/Operations Manager, Wendee Dodds, announced $150,000 in funding for the program from the Ohio EPA.

The commissioners unanimously approved a resolution for the district to enter into an agreement to receive the funds.

“It really is a benefit to Jefferson County,” Commissioner Dave Maple said. “It’s a great option (for people who meet the criteria).”

“This is another example of soil and water (district officials) doing an excellent job for Jefferson County,” Commissioner Thomas Graham said. “What you all do there is fantastic.”

Commissioner Tony Morelli, citing an example near his home, pointed out there is a big need the program helps address.

“For someone (like the home near his), it could be the difference between whether or not they can live in the house or have to move,” he said. “Thank you for what you do.”

The district is now accepting applications for the program. Those interested in applying can request an application packet by calling the district at (740) 264-9790.

The deadline for the district to receive the applications is April 18 at 4 pm

For an applicant to be considered, they must meet the following criteria:

• A total combined income in the household must be under 300 percent of the Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines.

• The home must be owned and occupied by the applicant.

• The septic system of the residence must be documented as failing by the county health department.

The district said they anticipate more eligible applicants than can be funded, so projects will be ranked for funding using a scoring system that is based on watershed and environmental factors.

The number of projects able to be funded, the district noted, will be determined based on the cost of individual projects.

Successful applicants can qualify for 50, 85 or 100 percent of the project funding.

Funding is through the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund and administered by the OEPA’s division of environmental and financial assistance and the state’s water development authority. Some $35 million was made available across the state this year.

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