NEWS RELEASE CONTACT: LAURA KRAMER KUNS (440) 350-2543
SEPTEMBER 2, 2011 LAKE COUNTY GENERAL HEALTH DISTRICT
LAKE COUNTY LAUCHES FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR HOUSEHOLD SEWAGE TREATMENT SYSTEM REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS
The Ohio Department of Health and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have implemented a financial assistance program for the repair or replacement of failing household sewage treatment systems (HSTS). The purpose of the program is to provide six million dollars in funding for Ohio for the repair and replacement of failing household sewage treatment systems. The Funds will be distributed by the Ohio EPA through the Water Pollution Control Loan Fund (WPCLF).
The Lake County Board of Commissioners have applied for $130,000 and are working in conjunction with the Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) and the Lake County Planning Commission to solicit potential participants, determine eligibility, and implement this program. The grant will provide 100% of the total system improvement costs for eligible systems when the homeowner is at the federal poverty level. The grant will provide 85% of the cost when the homeowner is at 200% of the poverty level with a 15% homeowner match. It is anticipated that between eight to 12 systems can be repaired or replaced depending on the number of qualified applicants and the cost of each project.
Homeowner Eligibility Requirements:
Homeowner at 100% of the Poverty Level or Under
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WPCLF HSTS Income Guidelines
http://aspe.hhs.gov/pverty/10fedreg.shtml
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Persons in Household
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Poverty Guideline*
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1-4
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$22,050
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5
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$25,790
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6
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$29,530
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7
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$33,270
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8
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$37,010
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For families with more than 8 persons, add $3,740 for each additional person
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* Based on total family income of all occupants who are 18 or older
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Homeowner at 200% of the Poverty Level
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WPCLF HSTS Income Guidelines with incomes over $44,100
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Persons in Household
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Poverty Guideline*
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1-4
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$44,100
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5
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$51,580
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6
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$59,060
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7
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$66,540
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8
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$74,020
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* Based on total family income of all occupants who are 18 or older
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Other requirements include:
- The sewage system serving the home where the owner lives is failing as determined by the LCGHD.
- The owner of the home receives the system at no cost when at poverty level; receives 85% of the cost with a 15% match when at 200% of poverty level.
- Homeowners whose total annual household incomes exceed $74,020 are not eligible for this program.
- The system installation and approval must be completed within one year.
- The homeowner receiving the assistance is the titled owner and lives at the property where the sewage system will be repaired or replaced.
- A registered Lake County Installer will repair or replace the failing sewage system in accordance with the WPCLF specifications.
The target deadline for homeowners to apply for funding is September 30, 2011. Funding will be determined on a first come/first served basis, so homeowners who believe they meet the income limits and other qualifications are encouraged to contact Laura Kramer Kuns of LCGHD at 440-350-2543 to begin the prequalification process.
In addition to seeking participants who qualify for this program, the Health District is creating a list of Lake County registered installers who wish to participate in this program.
This is an excellent opportunity for eligible homeowners that have been dealing with a failing system and have limited resources to be able to repair or replace their sewage system. For more information on LCGHD and its programs, please visit our website at www.lcghd.org.
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