PREBLE COUNTY — The Ohio Development Services Agency recently awarded grants totaling more than $11.6 million through the Community Development Critical Infrastructure, Downtown Revitalization and Neighborhood Revitalization Competitive Set-Aside programs. Preble County received $400,000 which will go toward two projects in the area.

According to a news release from ODSA, Preble County will receive a $100,000 Critical Infrastructure grant to help the village of Gratis replace 750 linear feet of waterline, install four new water valves, and replace two fire hydrants for increased water pressure and fire protection. The project will benefit 799 people.

The county will also receive a $300,000 Downtown Revitalization grant to assist the village of Lewisburg with a Downtown Revitalization Program. The county will help repair 15 building facades, install 550 square feet of decorative brick pavers, two traffic light poles, and 10 decorative planters — and replace six fire hydrants and 890 linear feet of sidewalk. The Lewisburg project will benefit 2,005 people.

Thirty-three communities across Ohio will receive grants to revitalize neighborhoods and downtown business districts. The grants will improve streets, sidewalks, bridges, public facilities, and infrastructure as well as rehabilitate buildings in a community’s Central Business District.

“Communities with strong business districts and neighborhoods are better positioned for growth,” said David Goodman, director of the Ohio Development Services Agency.