STRUTHERS City projects receive state, federal grants

The work includes a storm-drainage effort and an environmental assessment.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
STRUTHERS -- In the past few weeks, grants totaling more than $300,000 were approved for the city.
Mayor Daniel Mamula told city council during a caucus meeting Wednesday evening that a storm-water drainage project in the area of Beechwood, state Route 616 and Lakeshore qualifies for $162,840 from the Ohio Public Works Commission. The city and Poland Township will share the local contribution, estimated at $73,160.
Safety Service Director John Sveda reported that the Struthers Fire Department qualified for a Federal Emergency Management Agency grant of $20,591 to install new diesel exhaust extraction systems at both fire stations and to modify an exhaust extraction system in the front bay at the main station. To obtain the funds, the city must contribute $2,104.
The Ohio Department of Development also allotted $176,762 in Clean Ohio Assistance funds, pending approval by the State Controlling Board, to conduct an environmental assessment on a 27-acre plot of former steel-mill property along the Mahoning River. The controlling board is expected to award the grant Feb. 23.
An application for an OPWC grant to fund a waste treatment plant clarifier project did not qualify for funding.
Ordinances approved
During the regular meeting, council approved three pieces of legislation:
UAn ordinance eliminating council's state and federal grants committee and replacing it with a community development committee.
UAn ordinance authorizing the auditor to transfer $5,843 from the FEMA federal grant fund to the budget fund for street maintenance and equipment.
UAn ordinance authorizing the safety service director to advertise for bids and the board of control to enter into a contract for residential trash hauling.
An ordinance establishing the salary for a building maintenance staffer was sent back to the finance and legislation committee.
kubik@vindy.com