County staff says gas-trunk project is under budget; short extension to industrial park possible

County staff updated the Morrow County Board of Commissioners May 11 on a multi-mile natural gas trunk project tied to the 16171 interchange and an extension to serve nearby industrial property.

A presenter described the trunk as a roughly 10‑mile, 12‑inch main that is up and running. The project’s original budget was stated as $6,500,000 and the presenter said the cost to date is approximately $5.9 million, putting the work under budget. Staff said they are working on a side project to extend a short spur under I‑71 to the industrial park on the east side of the highway to serve an asphalt plant and other industrial users.

The presenter said the incremental cost for the short extension is "about $200,000 at this point," noting the private user would pay tap-in fees and there would be a leaseback element to part of the arrangement. Staff said legal has reviewed the approach and that no formal commission action was required if the board was aware and had no objections. The presenter estimated that, once the private party confirms tap-in arrangements, the extension could be completed within a couple of months.

Commissioners did not take a formal vote on the extension during the meeting; staff listed next steps as confirming tap-in fee acceptance by the private party and completing necessary easements and survey work.