Commissioners approve grants for stormwater projects

Lorain County commissioners approved the award of six community grants from seven townships for stormwater management projects totaling $428,647.

A seventh grant is recommended to be funded at $49,500 if funds become available as previously awarded projects are closed out, according to a news release from Donald C. Romancak, director of Lorain County Community Development.

Fourteen applications were received from 12 of the 18 townships for a total request of $1,134,422, the release said.

These grants are offered each year to townships through a competitive application process by Lorain County Storm Water Management District.

Each year, there is $400,000 available for community grants to help alleviate storm water issues that have been identified throughout the county.

Funds not allocated and unspent funds are reallocated to the next year.

The grants are effective at protecting and preserving infrastructure as well as reducing the frequency and severity of flooding to local businesses and residents.

This year, there was $460,000 available for award, according to the release.

“The grant program has really created some good results with residents seeing improvements in their neighborhoods,” Commissioner Sharon Sweda said.

The projects include three ditches, two culvert replacements and a joint purchase of a Gradall by the townships of Huntington, Wellington, Pittsfield and Rochester, with each community contributing funds to match the Storm Water District funding.

“It is good to see communities coming together in partnership to address the collective needs of the county,” said Board President Lori Kokoski.

Should funds come available, commissioners also approved improvements to Gore Orphanage Road in Brownhelm Township to install curbing along a hillside to stop erosion of the hillside, the release said.

“Continuing to invest in our communities as partners, working together to identify needs and solutions has been a major accomplishment of this board and the district with the townships and advisory committee generating real improvements throughout the County,” Commissioner Matt Lundy said.

All applications were reviewed and ranked by the Storm Water Advisory Committee’s (SWAC) Community Grant Sub-committee.

The subcommittee is chaired by Peter Zwick of the county Engineer’s Office and includes Rick Carlson representing the Farm Bureau and Mark McConnell representing the Townships.

Upon completion of their task, a recommendation is made to the full Storm Water Advisory Committee for review, discussion and finalization of rankings.

The advisory committee provides its recommendation to the district board.

The board then makes an award to the projects that are seen as most impactful within the budget constraints, the release said.

The Community Grant Program through the district was first established in 2011.

Funding levels for projects have increased from an initial funding level of $50,000 up to an annual allocation of $400,000 the past three years, the release said.

The board has committed to fund $400,000 per year in projects in future years.

District board members recognize the importance of this program to the district, its member communities and residents, the district said.

The applications awarded are:

• Hawke Road Storm Water Improvement, Columbia Township, $5,596

• Engle Ditch Phase 3 Restoration, Amherst Township, $129,000

• Quarry Road Lateral No. 1, Pittsfield Township, $134,250

• New London -Eastern Road Culvert 0401, Huntington Township, $60,000

• Kobelt Ditch Restoration Phase 4, LaGrange Township, $91,000

• Gradall Purchase, Huntington, Pittsfield, Rochester and Wellington townships, $8,800

Staff report