Lack of funds delays water, sewer project

By Sean Barron

One woman wanted to know what residents can do to speed the project along.

LAKE MILTON — Plans are still under way to provide water and sewer lines to a portion of Milton Township, but the main reason the project continues to be held up is lack of funding.

That was one of the key points Joseph Warino made to about 80 residents who attended Tuesday’s Milton Township Trustees meeting.

Warino, Mahoning County sanitary engineer, addressed people’s concerns and questions pertaining to the project, which would run the lines through mainly the southwestern portion of the township. The lines would run mostly along Ellsworth Road, as well as perhaps three or four adjoining roads, he explained.

The majority of homeowners in that area have septic systems or have to rely on well water; the lines would provide city drinking water to them. Earlier this year, water and sewer lines were finished along most of Southeast and Northeast River roads as well as Craig Beach.

Warino noted that funding has been difficult to come by, partly because a lot of grant money has dried up due to tough economic times. Nevertheless, Warino continued, he could have a better idea early next spring about when money might be available.

Largely because of its high unemployment, Mahoning County has a $1 million-a-year guaranteed allotment for public works projects that can be allocated as needed, Warino explained. Theoretically, half of that amount could go toward the water and sewer project, he said.

A few residents who live on or near County Line Road wondered why they were told they wouldn’t be able to get sewer lines. Warino said he never received a specific request for lines in that area but added he would look at the situation and try to come up with a cost estimate.

Another woman asked what residents can do to expedite the project; Warino encouraged her and other people to write letters to their elected officials, including Gov. Ted Strickland’s office. The correspondence should include residents’ specific needs, as well as whether they have problems with things such as well contamination, mineral deposits and poor drinking water.

Trustees will soon have a template letter available to give people an idea of what to include in their letters, Trustee Harold Maynard said.