Hamilton County commissioners on July 31 approved an amendment to the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD) capital improvement plan to authorize $4,895,142 for preliminary utility relocation related to the East Branch Ohio interceptor project.

MSD staff explained the appropriation will fund utility relocation work involving Duke Energy assets that conflict with the proposed interceptor alignment. Lauren and MSD staff said the county’s appropriation for preliminary work will be reimbursed by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) under a previously approved collaboration connected to Brent Spence Bridge improvements. MSD expects to return later with main construction appropriations and bids in 2025–2026.

Why it matters: The interceptor project is part of regional sewer infrastructure and is coordinated with ODOT transportation work; advancing utility relocations is an early and critical step so that later construction phases can proceed on schedule.

Action and vote: The board approved the item on the consent/by-leave calendar after MSD staff described the reimbursement arrangement. Commissioners voted yes on the motion to authorize the appropriation (Commissioner Driehaus — yes; Commissioner Stephanie Summer O'Dumas — yes; Commissioner Alicia Reese — yes).

Clarifying details
- Amount authorized for preliminary utility relocation: $4,895,142.
- Reimbursement: MSD said ODOT will ultimately reimburse MSD for these preliminary design and utility-relocation costs under a coordination agreement tied to Brent Spence Bridge work.
- Next steps: MSD will return with a request for construction appropriations for the main interceptor package later in 2025 and in 2026.

Discussion versus decision: Decision — appropriation approved for preliminary utility relocation; discussion clarified reimbursement by ODOT and future construction appropriations.

Proper names
- Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD)
- Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
- Duke Energy

Provenance: MSD staff explained project context and reimbursement; board approved appropriation.