Council authorizes OPWC grant applications for two street projects totaling up to $620,000

Newark City Council approved two resolutions authorizing the mayor to apply for Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) funding for two street-improvement projects: West Washington Street (up to $295,000) and North Pleasant Street (up to $325,000). The council also authorized the mayor to execute any contracts required to obtain that assistance.

Council members said the projects qualify for OPWC funding because they are capital improvements to public infrastructure. The resolutions state the West Washington Street project would cover the segment between Drake Road and North Pleasant Street; the North Pleasant Street project would cover the segment between 94 North Pleasant Street and West Washington Street. Both resolutions described the work as priority community needs and cited OPWC programs as the funding source.

Mr. Duncan moved passage of both resolutions; Mr. Lamb seconded. Each measure passed on roll-call votes with the members present voting yes.

The council did not detail construction schedules or match requirements in the floor discussion. The resolutions authorize the mayor to enter into necessary agreements if funding is awarded; project-specific timelines and contracting will follow outside the council meeting.