Columbus—State Representative Kathleen Clyde announced that the state will help resolve flooding issues on Pierce Road in Nelson Township. The Ohio Public Works Commission has awarded an emergency $76,326 grant to the township.
“These funds will purchase a road culvert for a crucial roadway in Nelson Township,” Rep. Clyde said. “The new culvert will alleviate the flooding problems due to extremely heavy rains this year. It will restore the road’s safety for emergency transportation and for local residents that travel the road every day.”
Pierce Road in Nelson Township was recently subject to a critical structural failure when severe floods washed away a significant portion of the road. As a result, a segment of the road was deemed impassible and was closed. Many residents were forced to reroute around the closed area. And the damage caused significant safety implications, as emergency vehicles had to do time-consuming preplanning prior to any dispatch, lengthening critical response times.
The Ohio Public Works Commission awards emergency funding for municipalities facing issues that cause an immediate threat to the health and safety of local residents. Over $2.5 million is allotted each year for natural disaster-related, unforeseen projects. Rep. Clyde received a call from Bill Wilson, former trustee in Nelson Township, and was able to assist the township in applying for and receiving these important funds.
NOTE: Athough the township has been awarded a grant for the work, they need to be compliant with the laws which require them to obtain various permits, including one from the Army Corps of Engineers. The trustees have begun the process to obtain the permits and when the permits are granted, the actual bids for the job will go out so the work can begin. An estimated work timeframe for the job is currently unavailable.
