Infrastructure improvements discussed

Painesville officials are continuing to address major infrastructure concerns in the city, especially roads.

Legislation regarding the Walnut Street improvement project was introduced to council at its most recent meeting on Sept. 18.

Painesville is in need of funding for the infrastructure improvements within the city. If approved, the resolution will authorize and direct City Manager Monica Irelan to submit an application and enter into an agreement with The Ohio Public Works Commission for funding infrastructure improvements of Walnut Street.

“The Ohio Public Works Commission has contacted the City of Painesville informing us that

the final application packet is due in October for the Local Transportation Improvement Program Funding,” Irelan’s legislative report states.

According to the Ohio Public Works Commission, the Local Transportation Improvement Program was created by the

legislature in 1989 and currently provides approximately $55 million in gasoline tax receipts annually. Since the use of such receipts is constitutionally limited to roads and bridges only counties, cities, villages and townships may apply for these funds. Applicants may apply for grants up to 100 percent of the project cost.

In addition to the second reading of this resolution, another piece of legislation

regarding infrastructure will appear on the Oct. 2 agenda.

“As you all know we got funding to redo Richmond Road next year,” Irelan said. “Staff worked very hard to make sure all the utilities under that road are taken care of before the road gets paved. Because of that, we’re going to have to bid out the water project tied to Richmond Street at the next council meeting.”