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County seeks $50,000 USDA grant for a Hancock County comprehensive land-use plan
Summary
Planning staff said they will apply to the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a $50,000 grant to fund a countywide comprehensive land-use plan, propose matching $50,000 from the county's Revolving Loan Fund and expect the planning process to take 18–24 months with broad township and village engagement.
At the Feb. 19 meeting Hancock County planning staff said they will seek a $50,000 Department of Agriculture grant to develop a countywide comprehensive plan covering 17 townships, the City of Findlay and seven villages.
Planner Matt Cordonier described the proposal as a 15–20 year framework addressing land development, agricultural preservation, drainage and watershed management, transportation, utilities including sewer and broadband, and targeted economic development. The project budget in the packet is $100,000, with $50,000 proposed from the Department of Agriculture and $50,000 from the County Revolving Loan Fund, plus an estimated $25,000 in in-kind work hours and resources from the Hancock Regional Planning Commission (HRPC).
Cordonier said the grant process could take 18–24 months and that, if the grant is awarded, he would prefer hiring a consultant to assist given staffing time constraints; he also said the board would have final authority over any resulting plan. Commissioners emphasized the importance of outreach to townships and villages, including those with existing zoning, to ensure the plan reflects local input.
If the grant application proceeds, staff indicated they will return with a resolution and approvals required for matching funds and consultant selection.
