County engineer seeks OPWC grants for two landslide repairs; commissioners approve 70% grant applications

The county engineer told commissioners on March 5 that the administration will submit FY2027 applications to the Ohio Public Works Commission for two landslide-repair projects. The engineer said the projects under consideration are East Miami River Road (about $1,400,000) and Cliff Road (about $2,100,000), and staff plan to request 70% OPWC grant funding for each project with a 30% local match from road-and-bridge funds.

The board asked about matching requirements; the engineer replied the applications are competitive and require at least 10% local match but that the county would propose a 30% contribution to strengthen scoring. Commissioners approved the resolution to submit the applications and authorized staff to execute agreements as required.

Commissioners and administration said they intend to monitor tariff and materials-cost impacts on capital projects and will provide a staff report that outlines how tariffs have affected the regional safety complex and other ongoing public-works projects. The board directed staff to pursue multiple funding options and to avoid letting federal grant conditions slow project progress.