Four projects awarded funding in Franklin County.
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) has announced four projects awarded over $3 million in Clean Ohio Conservation Funds (COCF) in Round 16 for District 3 (Franklin County) from the Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC).
Awarded projects include:
| Rank | Applicant | Project Name | Total Project Cost | COCF Amount Requested | Total COCF Awarded |
| 1 | Hilliard | Clover Groff Run Restoration Phase II | $1,321,660 | $594,747 | $594,747 |
| 2 | Metro Parks | Schleppi Run Acquisition | $3,377,350 | $1,688,675 | $1,688,675 |
| 3 | Columbus | Big Walnut South Clean Protection | $437,000 | $304,000 | $304,000 |
| 4 | Columbus | West Franklinton Greenspace Project | $947,000 | $620,000 | $620,000 |
| TOTAL | $3,207,422 |
The COCF is part of the Clean Ohio program approved by voters in 2008. The funding can be used to acquire green space and/or restore riparian corridors (strips of vegetation along a river, stream, lake, or other natural body of water).
“This round of Clean Ohio funding will result in a wide variety of beneficial projects in District 3. From large-scale acquisition and stream restoration, to providing valuable open space in urbanized areas, this round of funding will help preserve and restore valuable natural resources that help make Central Ohio a great place to call home.”
Local governments, parks and joint recreation districts, conservancy districts, soil and water conservation districts, and non-profit organizations located in Franklin County are all eligible to apply for these grant funds.
“Clean Ohio Funds makes it possible for us as a community to continue to preserve open spaces and restore riparian corridors. We hope the next round will continue to attract an equally competitive pool of applicants and projects.”
To learn more about the Natural Resources Assistance Council, click here.
