Commissioners authorize OPWC applications, press state for grant reimbursements and extend demolition grant deadline

At their Aug. 28 meeting, the Hocking County Board of Commissioners approved two infrastructure funding steps and heard status updates from DLZ project manager Tracy Schultz on several grant-funded projects.

The board unanimously approved a cooperative agreement enabling County Engineer William R. Shaw to prepare and submit applications for two OPWC (Ohio Public Works Commission) projects — identified in the meeting materials as OPWC Round 40 Project 1 and Project 2. Commissioner action authorized the engineer to apply to the OPWC State Capital Improvement Program and the Local Transportation Improvement Program; County Auditor Chris Roberts is authorized to sign any agreements necessary to obtain funds.

Tracy Schultz (DLZ) updated the board on ODOT- and EPA-related projects. She said the Rockbridge ODOT-related equipment purchase reimbursement requests remain under review and that the county’s main ODOT contract has closed; the staff has submitted incurred expenses for reimbursement and is "nudging that along" with the state. On the 664 sewer extension, Schultz said the line is in and tested but the lift-station control panel is delayed because "it's waiting for materials at this point"; a private investor has engaged DLZ for equipment start-up assistance.

Schultz also said the EPA is accepting nominations for the Haydenville Regional Connection sewer program and that the nomination window is open — she noted the nomination period is a pre-qualification step and said she believed the deadline was Sept. 15. "This nomination period is...a qualification to be able to apply in the next year," she told commissioners.

The commissioners approved a letter (motion seconded and passed) requesting a deadline extension to the end of the year for grant ID ODSA-2021-189569 so staff can finalize a historic-interpretive plaque with the State Historic Preservation Office before using the demolition grant funds. Commissioners also authorized submission of paperwork for two county engineer OPWC applications and approved paperwork for those two project applications.

During public comment, a resident asked who would receive administrative fees on EPA nominations; Schultz said the EPA nomination does not allow administrative fees and that because the nomination is not a formal application, no one will collect an administration fee for that step. Commissioner Jason D'Onofrio said commissioners are committed to using the county grant writer, Sean, "to the full extent" for future grant work so the county can receive any applicable administration fees when permitted.

What the actions mean: the board advanced formal steps to seek OPWC funding and secured a formal request to extend the old-jail demolition grant deadline so the county can complete historic-commission sign-off. Reimbursements being pursued through ODOT and equipment deliveries for sewer work remain pending and contingent on third-party timelines and state approval.