The Village of Peninsula has submitted a $5 million federal funding request to help build a centralized sanitary sewer collection and wastewater treatment system, a major infrastructure project aimed at protecting the Cuyahoga River and surrounding environment.
The proposal, submitted by U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, is among 15 community projects in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District under consideration for fiscal year 2026 funding through the House Appropriations Committee.
Peninsula, located in the heart of Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP), has long grappled with the environmental consequences of failing septic systems and small private treatment plants. The proposed system is estimated to cost approximately $10 million. So far, Summit County has committed $7.5 million in local funds and secured a $500,000 state grant through H2Ohio.
According to Sykes’ office, the project is essential for protecting the health of the Cuyahoga River and ensuring the long-term vitality of the national park. “Without this project, harmful discharges will continue to pose serious environmental and health concerns for residents and visitors alike,” the statement said, warning that without a solution, Peninsula’s local economy and businesses could face closure.
Summit County Public Health and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency have confirmed elevated levels of E. coli entering the river from outdated and failing systems in the village. County officials and environmental engineers have been working with Peninsula since 2021 on the Peninsula Environmental Sustainability Project to design a centralized wastewater system.
“The OEPA has been trying to find a solution for the village for decades,” said Michael Vinay, director of Summit County’s Sanitary Sewer Services. “Our goal continues to be to break ground in 2026.”
If the federal grant is not approved, the county may seek additional funding through state agencies or implement property assessments or long-term loans to close the funding gap. Vinay added that project designs are now 90% complete and a revised cost estimate may reflect increased expenses.
“We are doing everything we can to fully fund this project through grants and resources to protect the environment and support the community,” Vinay said.
“We will explore additional grant opportunities, including Ohio Public Works Commission, Ohio Water Development Authority, and H2Ohio,” Vinay said about what would happen if the federal grant is not approved.
“Our goal continues to be to break ground in 2026,” he said. “If further grant funds are unavailable, the balance of funding may be through property assessments or seeking a long-term state revolving loan. However, as stated, our hope is fully funding the project with grants and additional resources. We are at 90% design and, therefore, will develop a new opinion of probable construction cost, which may reveal an increase in the overall project cost estimate.”