MOUNT VERNON — Six local infrastructure projects are among the proposals the Ohio Public Works Commission will consider funding when it meets later this spring.
The projects cost an estimated $2,221,665.
The OPWC provides grants and 0% loans for infrastructure and road improvements through the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP), Local Transportation Improvement Program (LTIP), and Small Government Program.
Knox County Commissioner Bill Pursel said townships typically have up to eight years to repay the loan.
Local governments submit projects to a district integrating committee, which scores the applications. The committee then forwards recommended projects to the state OPWC for consideration.
Ohio is divided into 19 district committees. Knox County, along with Morrow, Delaware, Licking, Fairfield, and Pickaway counties, is in District 17.
The District 17 committee recommended the following projects for OPWC funding through SCIP/LTIP:
College Township: Porter Road widening and resurfacing
Estimated cost: $487,340
Grant request: $360,632
Loan request: $102,341
Milford Township: Webster Road improvements
Estimated cost: $317,091
Grant request: $218,059
Loan request: $15,000
Morris Township: McKenzie Road upgrade
Estimated Cost: $263,132
Grant request: $194,718
Village of Fredericktown: 2025 Fredericktown street improvements
Estimated Cost: $275,890
Grant request: $132,428
Loan request: $71,731
Knox County engineer: Mishey Road resurfacing KNO-CR 55
Estimated cost: $865,080
Grant request: $640,159
The District 17 committee recommended one project for funding through the Small Government Program:
Clinton Township: Crystal Avenue water main extension
Estimated cost: $837,806
Grant request: $333,903
Loan request: $70,000
Infrastructure project totals:
Estimated cost: $2,221,665
Anticipated grant amount: $1,879,899
Loan requests: $259,072
Timeline
OPWC will select the projects in April or May. However, work cannot start before July 1, the state’s new fiscal year.
The State Capital Improvement Program is funded through bonds issued by the state. On the May primary ballot, voters will be asked to renew the program through Issue 2.
County administrator’s report
County Administrator Jason Booth updated the commissioners on the north entry project.
Workers fenced off the Chestnut Street entrance to the service center on Monday, including the ADA parking area. Booth anticipates it will be closed for about six months.
Public parking is on the west side of the building between the courthouse and the service center. ADA parking spots are available.
“They don’t necessarily fit all of the requirements, but we’re trying the best we can to create some parking spots,” Booth said. “We do have two additional parking spots up by the courthouse ramp that are ADA, but the contractors put signage out there.”
Booth, Sheriff Daniel Weckesser, and Chief Deputy Richard Miller met with an architect about potential interior renovations to the outbuilding.
The architect will create a design sketch, obtain pricing, and provide options. Booth anticipates having the information in the next month.
Legislative actions
The commissioners took the following legislative actions:
•Approved two applications for United Aggregates from its Mount Vernon and Danville locations to apply brine for dust control in the summer and frozen stockpiles in the winter.
United Aggregates must record the quantity of brine drivers apply to the road and the location and then submit that information to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
•Approved the National WebCheck program and equipment between Knox County Department of Job and Family Services and the Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation for background checks.
