Senator Houston’s office offers help on Kunkle post office and airport fuel grants

A representative for Senator Houston's office, Ashley Asen, met with Williams County commissioners on July 8 and offered to connect the county with federal staff on two issues raised by commissioners: restoration of postal services in Kunkle and potential grant support for airport fuel systems.

Commissioners and attendees said Kunkle residents have been driving approximately seven miles to Pioneer for mail since the post office closed about a year to 18 months ago. A county representative asked whether the senator’s office could connect them to the appropriate U.S. Postal Service or federal contacts to explore placing a cluster mail box or other local options. Ashley Asen said she would connect the county with staff in Washington who specialize in those areas and expected to follow up by email.

The county also raised airport needs: commissioners said the airport fuel system needs replacement and asked whether federal grant programs (FAA or Department of Transportation) might fund replacements. The group discussed limitations and program rules — commissioners said some grant guidance appears to exclude certain fuel-system work, while other guidance seemed to allow it. Asen offered to connect the county with agency staff so the county could get direct clarification from grant administrators or FAA representatives.

Asen introduced herself as Ashley Asen, Northwest Ohio representative (with Laurie Brody named as the district director). She offered to send follow-up emails and connect the county with the relevant federal staff members. No formal commitments of federal funding were made at the meeting; Asen’s role was to facilitate contacts and follow-up with agency staff.