The Lorain County Board of Commissioners approved an initial engagement with Shook Construction and design partners for early site selection and planning of a Western Lorain County Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF).

Staff said the county received two RFQ responses, interviewed both teams and selected the Shook/Kimley‑Horn/Brown & Caldwell team for their municipal water and wastewater experience. Consultants described the team’s approach to environmental review, permitting with the Ohio EPA and public education, and said the project may include an educational component for workforce training in partnership with Lorain County Community College.

Karen (county staff) said a congressional grant of $750,000 has been awarded and will be placed in a sub‑fund under the sanitary engineer to pay most of the contract costs. The board approved an initial design‑services authorization not to exceed $969,119, to be paid from the sanitary engineer’s professional services account with grant reimbursement anticipated.

Team representatives said much work remains, including selecting a final site, EPA permitting, environmental assessment and cost evaluation. Commissioners emphasized careful site selection and noted the project will take time and multiple reviews before construction.