Panel recommends grants

Projects were scored based on factors including regional impact.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- The two-county committee that selects local projects for state funding has recommended $4.6 million in grants for stormwater and sanitary sewer projects and $2.8 million for roads and bridges.
The District 6 Public Works Integrating Committee, which works through Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, also recommended an $878,600 loan for a Lordstown sanitary sewer project and $1.4 million in projects through the revolving loan program.
The recommendations are presented to the Ohio Public Works Commission and, barring any errors, will be approved by that body.
Grant requests had totaled $12.1 million, with loan requests at $2.4 million.
Representatives from communities in Mahoning and Trumbull counties comprise the committee and scored the projects using a number of criteria including regional impact.
Projects submitted
Among the storm and sanitary sewer projects submitted for funding is rehabilitation of the Lanterman sewer district by the Mahoning County Sanitary Engineer's office. The project, located in Boardman, includes rehabilitation of 40 manholes and other work along Hopkins Road, Donmar Lane, Sylvia Lane, Risher Road, Stratmore Avenue, Cascade Drive, Shelby Road, Arden Boulevard, Dover Road and Midlothian Boulevard.
The project cost is $757,737, with the grant covering $674,386 and the remainder coming from local funds.
Road and bridge projects recommended for funding through the state's local transportation improvement program, which gets money from gas taxes, include Warren's arterial road program.
Project cost is $673,000, with the grant to cover $262,470 and the rest coming from local sources.
It includes planing and resurfacing of pavement and replacement of concrete curb and sidewalks and installation of curb ramps.
Roads affected include portions of Laird Avenue, McMyler Street N.W., Northwest Boulevard N.W., Reeves Road N.E, Tod Avenue N.W., Washington Street N.E. and Woodland Street N.E.
The Trumbull County engineer's 2006 county road improvements totaling $900,000 and the Mahoning County engineer's 2006 county infrastructure program at $954,606, were included.
Bubble projects
The grant list also includes more than $1 million in projects from both categories that are considered "on the bubble," meaning they'll be funded if those that scored higher come in below the cost estimates. Typically, at least some bubble projects receive funding for the program year.
The only Issue 2, or state capital improvement program, loan is for Lordstown's sanitary sewer on Tait Road and Tod Avenue. Ron Barnhart, the village's planning and zoning administrator, said the system will replace septic systems at 22 homes and three businesses.
The revolving loan fund, under which three projects were submitted for funding, is loan money that returns to the district for further disbursement.