New Franklin council unanimously backs Ohio EPA grant application to extend water lines
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Summary
The council passed Resolution 26-R-05 (7-0) to support submitting an Ohio EPA water-supply revolving loan account grant application to extend public water lines and connect private systems; councilmembers said the action shows support but does not commit local matching funds.
New Franklin — The City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 4 to support submitting an application to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) water-supply revolving loan account program to extend water lines and connect private water systems in the community.
Kelly read Resolution 26‑R‑05 during the council meeting. Speaker 2 moved the measure and Speaker 3 seconded; the resolution passed on a 7‑0 vote. The resolution, as described to the council, is intended to show municipal support for filing the EPA grant application and to allow staff to pursue the application and any required amendment after submission.
Why it matters: Council members said securing state or federal funding through the EPA program could reduce costs for residents and enable schools and businesses to connect to public water rather than rely on private systems. Speaker 4 told the council the project already has letters of support from multiple public water systems and other stakeholders.
What officials said: Speaker 4 said, “We have secured commitment letters supporting the project from 14 different public water systems,” and reported that an online survey had 83 responses with “nearly 65 to 70%” of respondents supportive of the project, pending final cost estimates from Aqua. Speaker 7 clarified the resolution “is not saying this is putting the pipes in the ground” and that the measure represents support for pursuing funding rather than a pledge of local match or construction obligations.
Next steps: Councilmembers said staff will continue preparing the application, coordinate with the engineering firm, collect cost estimates from Aqua, and follow up with the EPA. Speaker 4 said he plans to travel to Columbus to meet EPA staff and that state representatives had already provided letters of support. Councilmembers also discussed the option to amend the application after an initial submission if needed.
The vote record read at the meeting shows seven affirmative votes and no negatives; the council adjourned to other business after passage.