Emergency Program

[March 30, 2020] The Emergency Program is on hold until further notice due to the unavailability of funding. Please watch the OPWC's Home Page for updated messages concerning the status of OPWC funding. We recognize that other emergency funding sources are difficult to locate but potential options include Ohio Emergency Management Agency and USDA Rural Development Community Facilities Direct Loan and Grant Program which includes funds for transportation facilities such as streets, roads and bridges in 33 Ohio counties that had disasters declared. The contact for OEMA is Steve Ferryman, saferryman@dps.ohio.gov, and for USDA RD is Joshua Smith, joshua.smith7@usda.gov.

OPWC reserves funding for emergency projects that arise directly out of catastrophic situations that involve an immediate threat to public health and safety, and for which there is no alternative way of addressing the project through local funding or other resources. Emergency funds are reserved on a first-come, first-serve basis. Funding requests are accepted year round. The current annual allocation is $3.5 million.

If you believe you have a project that qualifies as an emergency begin by contacting the appropriate program representative. The program representative will determine if you should submit qualifying documentation (below)  for the Director's consideration.

Based on the Director’s review of this information a Letter of Approval/non-approval will formally notify the applicant of the outcome. If approved, an OPWC Application for Financial Assistance is required to issue a formal agreement with Authorizing Legislation, CFO Certification, and signed/stamped Engineer’s Weighted Useful Life Statement if not previously provided.

The applicant must submit the following information to be considered for funding:

  • Complete Pre-Application, which contains items 1 through 5 below, and attach information as described in items 6 through 8.
  1. Describe the nature of the emergency — Provide a description of the project and the reason for the emergency. Describe the event and the threat to health and safety. This includes the loss of vital or emergency services requiring an unreasonable delay or detour. Problems resulting from neglect, inadequate maintenance, poor planning, or caused by aging and/or normal deterioration are ineligible.

  2. Status of alternative infrastructure — Is other infrastructure available to compensate for the failed system? Include information on any alternative routes for road and bridge projects.

  3. Availability of other funding sources — Are any other funds (federal, state or local) available? List any other funding agencies that have been contacted.

  4. History — How long has the applicant been aware of the problem?

  5. Project Schedule — The project must be ready to proceed immediately. Include a project schedule.

  6. Include photographs and a map showing the location of the emergency, include ADT counts, and any possible detours required for emergency and residential access, if applicable.

  7. Provide a detailed cost estimate from a registered professional engineer as well as a useful life statement. Also indicate the amount of funds the applicant will contribute toward the project.

  8. Provide any additional information deemed relevant (e.g. letters from local officials and residents, newspaper reports, etc.).

If you have been selected and notified that you are eligible for Emergency Program funding, please fill out the application below. The Ohio Public Works Commission uses one project application for funding for all infrastructure programs including SCIP, LTIP, Emergency, Small Government and Loan Assistance/Credit Enhancement. Please use the links below for the application instructions, forms, and required attachments.

Application Instructions 

Application Form              

Application Attachment Templates:

•  Authorizing Legislation 

•  CFO Certification of Local Funds and Repayment Letter 

•  Engineer's Estimate and Useful Life Statement 

•  Cooperative Agreement (Multiple Jurisdictions) 

•  Farmland Preservation Review Letter 

 

4th Street Culvert Repair, Tipp City

Sinkhole Repairs, City of Toledo

Emergency Road Repairs, Gallia County

Culvert Repair, Licking County