TRUMBULL COUNTY Niles asks for grant

The application will be filed once the legislation is approved.
By SHERRI L. SHAULIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
NILES -- City officials plan to use a grant to fund most of a sanitary sewer project.
Council met in special session Tuesday and gave first reading to legislation authorizing the filing of an application with the Ohio Department of Development for a Community Development Block Grant. If the application is approved, the city could receive $83,000 toward the project.
Money will be used to replace the sanitary sewer on Davis Street between Lafayette and Vienna avenues, city Engineer Mark Hess said.
Flooding
Hess said the area has been the site of flooding several times in recent years, especially the area near Lafayette. Though it was not part of the infrastructure damaged in last summer's floods, Hess said the area does need attention to prevent future problems.
Current estimates are that the project will cost about $103,000, but those figures could change, Hess noted.
"I've already asked for some changes," he said. "There are some things that need to be added and some things that need to come off. It could all end up being a wash, but we're not sure yet."
Regardless, the city is responsible for covering the difference between the grant and the final cost.
Council is expected to meet again today and Thursday in special session to give the ordinance the three readings required by law. Once the legislation is approved, city officials can prepare and submit the application.
slshaulis@vindy.com