FEATURED WEB EXCLUSIVES

Member Community Infrastructure Program

Strengthening Sewer Infrastructure. Protecting Water Quality. Supporting Healthy Communities.

by Keith McClintock, Manager of Watershed Funding Programs

To ensure funding support for the most impactful projects, the Member Community Infrastructure Program maintains several project requirements. Projects must address water-quality and/or quantity issues that affect human health and the environment. They also must involve combined or separate-sewer infrastructure problems and be within the Sewer District’s wastewater service area.

Funding requires a minimum 25% project match, approved as eligible by the District. Funds from previous District awards cannot be used as this match. However, the District may waive the match requirement for communities identified by the Ohio Auditor of State as being in fiscal caution, watch, or emergency.

Applications must be submitted as design-only or construction-only (combined design and construction projects are not eligible). Design-only projects must be completed within 12 months of the project agreement start date. Construction-only projects must include engineer-stamped design drawings at the time of application and be completed within 18 months of a signed agreement. Projects must comply with all applicable Sewer District, federal, state, and local regulations.

Looking ahead, the District anticipates releasing up to $25 million for the 2027 MCIP funding round, continuing its strong commitment to improving regional sewer infrastructure and water quality. Communities with eligible projects are encouraged to begin planning early and coordinate with the Watershed Funding Programs team.

The anticipated timeline for the Request for Proposals is April 2026, with pre-proposal meetings scheduled in April and May. Proposal submission due date will be May 29th, followed by District proposal review and ranking in June and July. Final funding recommendations will be presented to the Board of Trustees in August, and member communities will be notified shortly thereafter.

The MCIP represents more than infrastructure investment—it is a collaborative partnership between the District and its member communities that improves environmental outcomes and protects public health.

By combining technical expertise and financial stewardship, the Sewer District and its member communities are making measurable progress toward a cleaner, healthier Northeast Ohio.

For questions regarding MCIP, please contact Linda Mayer at MayerL@neorsd.org or (440) 253-2147.

Anticipated timeline for the 2027 MCIP:

• April: Release of the MCIP Request for Proposals
• April/May: Pre-proposal meetings
• May 29: Proposal submission due date
• June/July: Proposal review and ranking
• August: Recommendations for grant awards to the Board of Trustees and member community notification