Port Authority updates county on I-75/SR 582 concerns, solar partnership; receives $60,000 from commissioners

Rex Huffman, legal counsel for the Wood County Port Authority, and Port Authority member James Rossler briefed the Board of County Commissioners on March 3 about transportation and development projects expected to affect the county this year.

Huffman said the Ohio Department of Transportation has flagged the I-75 and State Route 582 interchange as needing work and that a pipeline connection near Mercer Road and SR 582 must be moved, a task that could push the project timeline into the summer. He also told the commissioners that increased site activity tied to a nearby data center may produce traffic impacts during commute hours and that traffic signals could be used on I-75 during peak periods if site work increases.

Rossler highlighted other Port Authority activity, including a planned solar project with Rossford Schools and an upcoming Regional Growth Partnership project. He noted the Port Authority's operating budget has grown since he began service and thanked the commissioners for ongoing support. Commissioners presented the Port Authority with a $60,000 check during the meeting.

The briefing flagged potential near-term traffic-management needs for county and state transportation partners and emphasized continued Port Authority involvement in local economic-development work. The presentation concluded at 9:37 a.m.; Rossler and Huffman left the meeting shortly afterward, and photos were taken as staff and commissioners recognized the Port Authority's update.