Maumee Valley presents CDBG 2025 project list; commissioners urged to prioritize critical infrastructure and demonstrate readiness

Maumee Valley representatives on March 13 presented the projects Williams County communities have submitted for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for program year 2025 and outlined deadlines and funding rules.

The presentation, delivered by representatives identified in the meeting as Dennis Miller and Eddy White of Maumee Valley, covered two CDBG funding tracks: critical infrastructure grants (eligible up to $500,000 per project) and the allocation program (smaller awards, historically about $120,000–$154,000 for the county). The presenters said the state must monitor recently completed projects before additional critical slots are opened and that the application deadline to the state is in June.

Why it matters: CDBG awards pay for roads, sewer and water work, sidewalks and park improvements in small communities that lack other funding sources. Project selection by the county determines which local projects will be competitive for constrained state funding.

Projects presented and readiness

Maumee Valley provided a one-page overview of project cost estimates, maps and qualifying information for each applicant. Highlights from the packet presented to commissioners: - City of Bradner: sanitary sewer replacement, total estimate about $852,000; qualifies as a potential critical infrastructure project under the low‑to‑moderate income national objective. - Village of Stryker: water-tank project previously submitted as critical infrastructure; total cost estimate cited at $772,400; Maumee Valley noted prior denials under the critical category and reported an income survey result of 51.16%. - Village of Montpelier (Mount Villier): waterline replacement in an older neighborhood; description noted 4‑inch/6‑inch lines tied to a 12‑inch main and lead service lines in parts of the project area. - Village of Edgerton: sidewalk replacement, estimated total about $320,000; components tied to ADA improvements may be eligible but require documentation and photographs to justify funding under the program’s national objectives. - Village of Pioneer: parking lot at Carmel Park, total estimated project cost about $125,000 with a $75,000 allocation request; Maumee Valley advised an income survey will likely be necessary because the project location is not in an income‑qualified census block.

Presenters urged the county and applicant communities to demonstrate readiness — completed design, permits and evidence of matching funds — before the county submits an application. Maumee Valley advised that the state requires applications to be submitted by a June deadline and that monitoring of prior construction projects must occur before critical-infrastructure slots become available.

Commissioner comments and next steps

Commissioners discussed criteria for comparing dissimilar projects (for example, a water tower serving many residents versus a sidewalk project that benefits a smaller block) and suggested weighing number of people served and revenue‑producing potential. Several commissioners recommended site visits and additional readiness checks before final selections.

Maumee Valley said it will help verify readiness and compile any outstanding documents; commissioners tentatively aimed to make allocation decisions in April–May so applications can be prepared for the June submission window.