Muskingum County and City of Zanesville Partner for $850,000 Grant

Zanesville City Council passed an ordinance to join Muskingum County in an application for the Community Housing Improvement Program.

The jurisdiction partnership could lead to an over $800,000 grant if the application is accepted. The money will be used to help those homeowners who meet income requirements to make necessary repairs.

Public Service and Community Development Director Jay Bennett said the city and county have partnered in the past and seen success in the project, prompting them to apply once again.

"It was wonderful the last two years, we don’t see why it would be any different for the next two," said Bennett. "We had the second or third highest ranked application in 2014. We expect to be able to do that again and bring $850,000 beginning in 2017. "

Those in the community looking to apply for the home repairs can do so in early 2017.

They must meet income guidelines to be eligible. Bennett said the city will fight to bring the money home to help people in need.

"There is no reason why it should not be here in Zanesville and Muskingum County helping our lowest and moderate income individuals maintain housing affordability," said Bennett. That is one of the most basic rights is housing."

The city and county must apply for the grant by early May.