Struthers seeking funds for infrastructure work

By William K. Alcorn

Council hired a new part-time clerk.

STRUTHERS — Applications for state money for three major infrastructure projects in the city, totalling $733,000, have been approved locally for submission to the Ohio Public Works Commission for final approval.

Barring something completely out of the ordinary, the applications will receive OPWC approval, said Tim Yova, District 6 Public Works Integrating Committee liaison for the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments.

The projects are:

Lower Connector Bridge, $360,000 grant: The proposed project is a two-lane bridge over the Mahoning River between Struthers and Campbell within the Mahoning River Corridor of Opportunity at the west end of Bob Cene Way. The bridge will be about 36 feet wide and 185 feet long. The grant completes the funding package for the bridge, which includes about $2.6 million from the Federal Highway Administration. Construction is expected to begin in 2010 and be completed in 2012.

Southeast Sanitary Sewer Rehabilitation, $261,000 grant: The project will reduce infiltration of storm water into sanitary sewer lines in the Parkcliff Avenue, Haywood Avenue, Oakland Boulevard, Schenley Avenue, Clingan Road and Wetmore Avenue areas, and reduce the amount of overflows at the Bridge Street pump station. The total cost of the project, which is scheduled for 2009, is $378,000. In addition to the grant, the city’s share will be $41,000, and Mahoning County will contribute $76,000.

Fifth Street Culvert Replacement project, $112,000 interest-free loan: The project consists of the removal and replacement of an unsafe culvert, over which truck traffic has been restricted, and repair of a portion of the sanitary sewer system on Fifth Street. The work is scheduled for 2009.

Mayor Terry Stocker, who announced the grants and loan at Wednesday’s council meeting, said the lower connector bridge was the city’s top priority.

“It is good news for the city because it will help redevelopment of the area. And, unless the prices goes out of control, it should go forward without any city money,” he said.

In addition, work is set to begin on paving of Bob Cene Way, a road along the Mahoning River in the Corridor of Opportunity, which will connect Struthers, Campbell and Youngstown and tie in Walton Street Bridge and the lower connector bridge when it is built, Stocker said.

At its meeting Wednesday, council passed legislation creating the position of part-time clerk of council and appointed Megan R. Shorthouse, effective Monday, at the pay rate of $9.12 an hour not to exceed 28 hours per week.

Council also adopted an ordinance banning the erection of permanent or portable athletic devices, such as basketball hoops and backboards for the express purpose of using public streets and sidewalks as a playground and/or basketball court. Stocker said the council took the action after receiving numerous complaints from residents about kids’ playing in the streets and creating disturbances.

alcorn@vindy.com