Trumbull County approves $500,000 appropriation request for Mosquito Lake interceptor study

The Board of Trumbull County Commissioners voted unanimously Wednesday to authorize the Trumbull County Planning Commission to prepare and submit an appropriation request for $500,000 to Congressman Dave Joyce—s office to fund a preliminary engineering study for a Mosquito Lake interceptor.

Commissioner Malloy said the study is the "first step" toward any future sewer and water expansion north of Mosquito Lake and called it the board—s top priority. He told colleagues the engineering work would identify costs and feasibility for pump stations and main lines and stressed the study would not itself create sewer lines next year, or necessarily within three to five years.

Malloy said the study could enable modest, long-term economic development around Mecca Circle and the lake—including expanded services at the fairgrounds and potentially cabins or lodging—and could reduce pollution from failing septic systems. "This is laying the first brick," he said. "We have to do the study first to see what it would cost and the feasibility of where pump stations and lines would have to go." He thanked Gary Newbrower and the county sanitary division for preparing the request.

Commissioner Bernard and Commissioner Hernandez supported the request as a way to open opportunities for economic development in unincorporated areas and to improve sanitary service options for residents. The board recorded a 3-0 vote: Commissioners Bernard, Malloy and Hernandez each voted yes.

The commissioners instructed the planning commission to file the appropriation request on or before the congressional portal deadline of Thursday, March 20, 2025. Officials said the study would be a planning-level effort to inform any future construction decisions; no construction contract or immediate capital appropriation was approved at the meeting.