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City manager warns federal and regional grant pauses could slow local road and infrastructure projects
Summary
City Manager Jack told Brookville City Council that pauses and freezes at federal and regional grant programs — including an Edge grant pause and a Department of HUD freeze on some programs — could jeopardize future infrastructure funding though current awarded projects appear safe.
City Manager Jack told Brookville City Council on Tuesday that recent pauses and uncertainty in federal and regional grant programs could limit funding for future local road and infrastructure projects, though he said already-awarded work should proceed.
Jack told council that the Montgomery County Edge grant program has paused its spring funding cycle “because of the uncertainty on what’s gonna happen with their overall budget,” and that the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission (MVRPC) and other regional agencies are still assessing potential impacts. He said the Department of Housing and Urban Development has effectively frozen some CDBG-related activity, which complicates future application timetables.
Jack said projects already awarded funding are “safe at this time” but cautioned that future applications could be at risk. He listed local resurfacing projects that have depended on regional grant funding in recent years — including Westbrook resurfacing, Arlington Road resurfacing and last year’s Wolf Creek work — and said the McKinley Street Bridge was an OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) project. He said MVRPC’s exposure could be in the “tens of millions” depending on broader state and federal actions.
Council members asked about public‑safety impacts and staff explained that the city’s bulletproof vest program is funded through a separate state program and was not affected. Jack said conservative budgeting has positioned Brookville to proceed with the city-funded residential street resurfacing project now set to go out to bid; the bid opening is scheduled for April 9.
Jack recommended council members contact state legislators and said he planned to meet next week with State Representative Creech to discuss concerns at the state level. He said regional partners such as the Ohio Municipal League and MVRPC are actively advocating with state officials and that local advocacy could help clarify priorities.
No formal action was taken; Jack said staff will continue to monitor developments and notify council if funding risks materialize.
