County secures donor support and awards contract for Gerber stream and wetland restoration; project tied to Fortune Ditch outlet

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners on March 14 approved a memorandum of understanding with Beckett Thermal Solutions and awarded a construction contract to Marks Construction for the Gerber Stream and Wetland Restoration Project.

Don (surname not given), the county stormwater representative, told the board the county had pursued this property and project for roughly a decade, and that external grant awards and the corporate donation were critical to proceeding. The county reported outside funding and grants that reduced the project’s local cost: the county described the project as originally estimated at about $4.5 million and said it had secured approximately $3 million in outside funding, including a roughly $1 million award from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and state wetland funding.

Beckett Thermal Solutions will be recognized as a key contributor under the MOU and will place funds in a donation account. The board also authorized a construction contract with Marks Construction, Valley City, Ohio, for $3,827,017.43, with an authorized notice to proceed and a contingency for change orders; the construction will be administered and inspected by the county stormwater district.

Why it matters: County officials said the Gerber property and the Fortune Ditch connection will provide a proper water outlet and manage stormwater for roughly 3.6 miles of upstream lands, enabling future development and protecting existing properties. County staff said the Gerber property holds nearly 70 acre-feet of storage when completed and could serve as a public green asset and outdoor education site.

Key details and context - Funding: Officials said they assembled about $3 million in outside funding toward an estimated $4.5 million project, naming the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and state wetland program among contributors. - Donor: Beckett Thermal Solutions is the private donor identified in the MOU; the agreement recognizes Beckett’s contribution and places donated funds into the county’s donation account for the project. - Contract: Marks Construction won the bid and received the county contract for $3,827,017.43; the county said the company is experienced in wetland restoration and submitted many clarifying questions during bidding. - Project scope: The county said the completed Gerber work will provide an outlet for the Fortune Ditch, manage runoff for about 3.6 miles upstream, and provide almost 70 acre-feet of storage; the county intends to integrate trails and public-access features. - Procurement oversight: Staff said the bid packet was reviewed for mathematical errors and federal/state debarment lists; the project will be a prevailing-wage federal job and the county will monitor prevailing-wage documentation and performance bonds.

Discussion vs. decisions - Discussion: County staff described the project history, funding mix, environmental permitting, and the expected community and development benefits. - Direction: Staff said they will coordinate a joint presentation with Beckett Thermal to explain the partnership and the project's benefits to North Ridgeville and Lorain County. - Formal actions: The board approved the MOU with Beckett Thermal and awarded the construction contract to Marks Construction (motions passed by the commissioners).

Ending: County officials and commissioners thanked staff, local partners and the donor; they said construction administration and inspection will remain the county’s responsibility and that they expect continued public engagement during construction.