County approves CDBG funding

By DORIS COOK - Staff Writer
Star Beacon

September 23, 2008 06:52 pm

— JEFFERSON — Rock Creek, Geneva, Geneva-on-the-Lake, and Kingsville and Lenox townships will benefit from the county’s Small Cities community development block grant agreement with the Ohio Department of Development.
The Ashtabula County commissioners approved the $606,000 grant agreement Tuesday, which includes $300,300 for Rock Creek street improvements.
The grant is retroactive to Sept. 1, and the agreement ends Feb. 28, 2010, according to Janice Switzer, program manager of the county’s Community Services Department. Rock Creek was eligible for the additional $300,300 grant because it qualifies as a distressed area.
Geneva is receiving $17,500, along with $51,500 from other grant sources, to repave 1,200 feet of South Eagle Street. The city will get another $17,500 to install 635 feet of storm sewers and catch basins along the same street.
Geneva-on-the-Lake is receiving $61,400 under the same grant program for new sewer lines.
Kingsville Township is receiving $50,000 to install playground equipment to meet handicapped accessibility requirements and fencing for a community park.
Lenox Township officials will receive $18,200 to install a new walkway and four parking spaces at its community center.
Another $45,000 will go to support Ashtabula County Transportation Services for elderly and disabled residents.
Rock Creek Village officials are also receiving Ohio Public Works Commission funding to match the Small Cities CDBG dollars, commissioners said.
In other actions, the commissioners held a work session early Tuesday with Ohio Department of Transportation officials, representatives of R.W. Sidley Co., Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County and County Engineer Tim Martin over proposed traffic improvements at the Route 45 south and Interstate 90 interchange. Commissioner Daniel Claypool said the plan calls for closing off one entrance drive into the Pilot Travel Center, and installing a traffic light at Sidley Drive and turning lanes. Trucks would enter off Sidley Drive once the project is complete.
County Administrator Janet Discher said the county engineer has offered to help with the replatting of the land and other engineering details. Commissioners will have to come up with the funds needed for the Route 45 improvements.