Stormwater task force warns of failing storm sewers; commissioners defer funding discussion until county engineer can attend

Members of the Lawrence County stormwater task force told the Board of Commissioners on Sept. 4 that several storm sewer systems in the county are failing and that the task force is preparing plans for repair and drainage concerns.

The task force representative said the county's storm sewers have been failing and cited repeated site visits over the past three months to areas in Rome and Burlington. The board acknowledged the issues but deferred detailed funding or engineering decisions because the county engineer was in a meeting in Columbus and could not attend.

County Administrator Dylan Bentley told the board that the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) would be one potential funding vehicle but that OPWC applications must be submitted by the county engineer. Bentley said the engineer was expected to be available on Tuesday, and the commissioners agreed to continue the conversation when the engineer could participate.

No formal motions or funding allocations were adopted during the Sept. 4 session; the matter was discussed and will be revisited with the county engineer present.

Ending: Commissioners recognized the task force's work and indicated follow-up with the county engineer and staff to develop funding and repair options.