County to accept ODOT grant, partner with Toledo and metroparks to resurface University Parks Trail

Lucas County commissioners authorized a joint cooperating agreement Sept. 16 with the City of Toledo, the county engineer and Metroparks to proceed with resurfacing the University Parks Trail from Secor to Silica using an Ohio Department of Transportation grant.

Ben Pushka told commissioners the trail, built nearly 30 years ago, has reached the end of its useful life. ODOT awarded a special grant that includes federal dollars and toll credits and does not require a local match; the award covers $948,000 including engineering fees. Executing the agreements allows the county engineer to move forward with design and procurement so resurfacing can occur next year.

Commissioners voted to enter the cooperation agreements and execute the required ODOT local project agreement to accept the funds and begin the project.