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Harrison council approves application for Clean Ohio Trails Fund to improve community-center trail
Summary
The Harrison City Council voted unanimously to authorize the mayor to file an application with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for Clean Ohio Trails Fund assistance to extend and improve the community-center trail. The project is estimated at about $327,000 and requires a 25% local match.
Harrison — The City Council voted to approve a resolution authorizing the mayor to file an application with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for funds from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund to improve the nature walk around the community center.
The resolution, described during council discussion as “resolution number 1 of 18,” passed by roll call vote of council members present. The council did not record dissent on the floor during the meeting.
According to council discussion, the proposed project would tie the existing trail around the community center through Industrial Drive to Campbell Park and State Street, providing a more direct connection back to Broadway or Cater and improving trails around the creative center. The project estimate discussed at the meeting is about $327,000.
Council members discussed the program’s required local match. The mayor and project representatives said the Clean Ohio Trails Fund application requires a 25 percent local match; at the project estimate discussed, that match would be roughly $82,000. Council members confirmed the match may be met with in-kind contributions (for example, city labor documented at an assigned rate) or cash. A staff representative said if the grant is awarded the funds would likely become available in 2019 and the city would budget the full amount in the 2019 budget cycle with reimbursement procedures handled after bidding and construction.
Project support materials — maps and preliminary drawings — will accompany the resolution and application. Project consultant JMA and a staff member identified as Jennifer were cited as the point people to compile those materials and submit the application signed by the mayor.
Council members framed the application as complementary to the city’s master plan and connectivity goals, with comments noting potential ties to Ray Park and other trail connections. No final construction contract or funding appropriation was approved that night; the council’s action was limited to authorizing the application and related submission steps.
What’s next: The application will be prepared and submitted by city staff and JMA; if OH DNR awards the grant, the council will need to include the project and the required local match in the 2019 budget and follow procurement rules for bidding and construction.
