EATON — The Preble County Board of Commissioners met with representatives from the Preble County Land Bank on Friday, Feb. 10, and presented the organization with $500,000 dollars from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds awarded to Preble County during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“So, a week ago, I made a motion for $500,000 from ARPA money to be moved to the Land Bank, so that we can solve a conversation we’ve had for quite some time and jump into this and do some good work. Our township trustees have asked for the last two years, how we might be able to assist to get some problems cleaned up. This is a good way to use ARPA dollars for the benefit of the whole county,” said commissioner Racheal Vonderhaar.

Commissioner Adam Craft added, “We’re excited to be able to offer that to the Land Bank, and we’re hoping we get a lot of participation. We have some ideas for some properties we will discuss in here.”

Justin Sommer, Director of the Preble County Development Partnership and Preble County Land Bank board member, noted the funding will be extremely useful in beginning repairs around the county, stating a number of properties are in need of attention.

According to Austin Cole, Land Bank board member and Lanier Township Trustee, the funding will fast-track Land Bank plans by at least two years.

Reach Nathan Hoskins at 937-683-4057.