County agrees to seek CDBG extension for Shiloh waterline and meter project after weather delays

Richland County commissioners authorized a request on Feb. 4 to allow the project representative to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) agreement amendment for the village of Shiloh’s waterline and water meter project. The request seeks to extend the project completion deadline from May 31 to Aug. 31, citing recent severe cold weather that delayed work.

Joda Caschetti asked the commissioners to permit the application for an extension after the project fell behind schedule because of the cold snap. The commissioners granted the request by voice vote.

Why it matters: The extension would keep the project eligible for CDBG funding while crews complete remaining work. County staff said paving in particular was slowed by very cold temperatures, and a separate change order has already extended the construction contract by 68 days, which staff said takes the anticipated completion date to May 15 under that change order.

Details from the meeting: The presenter said the project team expects to finish earlier than the requested extension window but seeks the extra time as a contingency. Commissioners discussed scheduling and accepted staff’s explanation that weather caused the delay. The motion to certify the record and other routine items followed.

Ending: Commissioners set no additional conditions in approving the request and moved to other logistical items.