WAVERLY, Ohio – The city of Waverly is set to brighten its streets and save on energy costs thanks to a $32,626 grant from the state. The funding will allow the city to replace 46 streetlights with energy-efficient LED lighting, as part of Governor Mike DeWine’s $3.1 million initiative to promote sustainability in Ohio communities.
The grant, administered through the Brightening Ohio Communities Grant Program, aims to assist communities in need of financial support to upgrade their lighting infrastructure. The program focuses on replacing outdated and inefficient lighting with modern technologies such as LEDs, solar power, and motion sensors.
Governor DeWine emphasized the long-term benefits of these upgrades, stating, “By doing something as simple as replacing old streetlights, we’re helping free up resources that can be redirected to vital community services like education and public safety.”
Waverly’s project is expected to yield an annual utility savings of 65 percent, demonstrating the significant impact energy-efficient lighting can have on a community’s budget.
In total, 10 communities across 11 counties will benefit from the grants, with projects ranging from replacing streetlights and ballfield lighting to upgrading lighting in municipal buildings and parking lots. All projects are required to demonstrate a minimum annual reduction of 15 percent in energy usage.
Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik highlighted the importance of collaboration with local partners in achieving these goals, stating, “The voices of our communities told us what they needed, we listened, and now they’re all one step closer to a brighter future.”
The Brightening Ohio Communities program is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, reinforcing the state’s commitment to sustainable energy practices.