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Commissioners authorize application for federal funds to expand Exit 1 sewer plant
Summary
The Williams County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to seek federal appropriations and gather letters of support to expand the Exit 1 sewer plant after Jones & Henry identified capacity and treatment concerns.
The Williams County Board of Commissioners authorized a staff-led application for federal appropriations to expand the Exit 1 wastewater treatment plant and directed staff to solicit letters of support before the application deadline.
The vote came after a presentation from a county staff member explaining that the Exit 1 plant is reaching its treatment and capacity limits and that expanding the mechanical treatment portion would reduce costly pumping and improve long-term operations. The board approved a motion authorizing the application and to collect four to six letters of support from local legislators, township trustees and economic partners.
County staff said the plant’s current permitted capacity is about 37,000 gallons per day and that inflows from nearby commercial users already account for roughly 20,000 gallons per day. Jones & Henry, the engineering firm conducting a plant-capacity review, is working to narrow building- and cost-options so the county can include a cost estimate in the appropriations packet due March 19.
Commissioners discussed potential funding sources and timelines. Staff noted the application to a congressional appropriations office requires a short turnaround; the county has asked Representative Marcy Kaptur’s office and local partners to prepare brief letters of support. The board asked staff to draft a short template letter for elected officials and to limit solicitation to a handful of targeted supporters so the application packet remains focused.
The board approved the motion authorizing staff to lead the application; the motion passed on an affirmative voice vote. Commissioners also asked staff to continue working with Jones & Henry on cost estimates and to report back with a draft application and any requested commitments before submission.
The authorization does not commit the county to a particular design or funding match yet; commissioners said they want the engineering report and cost estimates before deciding whether to accept or obligate matching funds.
Next steps: staff will (1) finalize scope and cost estimates with Jones & Henry, (2) collect 4–6 letters of support (local legislators, township trustees, WEDCO or similar business partners were mentioned as suggested signers), and (3) return to the board with the draft application prior to the March 19 deadline.
