Program to reimburse schools for fixtures moves forward

Staff report

COLUMBUS

A state program to reimburse school districts for the costs of replacing potentially harmful fixtures that contain lead is moving forward.

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, the agency that will administer the $12 million grant program, approved guidelines for it at the commission’s quarterly meeting Thursday.

Gov. John Kasich last month signed into law legislation creating the Lead Plumbing Fixture Replacement Assistance Grants Program. It becomes effective in September.

School districts can seek reimbursements for costs incurred from water testing and replacement of items such as drinking fountains and plumbing fixtures that are made with lead.

School districts can receive up to $15,000 each if they have been identified as being over the federal action level for lead in drinking water.

The OFCC is working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Water Development Authority on implementation of the program.

Additional information on the program and how to apply for grants is available on the OFCC’s website.