The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development program has awarded $2,392,000 to the Village of Oak Harbor. The funds will be used to construct new wastewater collection lines and replace water lines to improve access to safe drinking water.

“Strong water and sewer infrastructure is critical to Ohio communities’ ability to be economically competitive,” said U.S. Senator Brown. “This funding will help attract jobs and businesses to the area, while protecting Lake Erie and improving access to safe and clean water for Oak Harbor residents. I will continue to advocate for resources so that Ohioans in small and rural communities have equal access to clean water.”

USDA’s Rural Development program provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas by supporting infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

Brown has been a leader for Ohio’s rural communities, successfully securing a number of provisions that are important to Ohio farmers in the 2018 Farm Bill. He is the first Ohioan to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee in more than 50 years.