RELATED: Proposed changes to mining permit concerns Clark County residents
Clark County commissioners approved donating right-of-way recently to the village for the water line project.
“You have our support for sure,” County Commissioner Lowell McGlothin said.
The village is currently accepting bids for the project, Ross said, which could begin construction later this year. The village council is expected to vote on the bids April 25, he said.
The water line will connect two dead points along Speedway Drive and Dayton Road, which will decrease sediment and increase water pressure, he said. It also allows the village to have multiple access points to make repairs, rather than shutting off water to both nearby businesses Speedway and Seepex.
“Right now, we’re kind of limited,” he said. “If we have to shut water down anywhere along that line, it isolates those businesses. By putting the loop in, it allows us to work on the line at any point and still supply water to the customers.”
It would also allow local residents on well systems and other businesses to tap into the city’s water line, but Ross said it wouldn’t be required.
READ MORE: Clark County population continues to decline, reaches 50-year low
The plans have been approved by the Clark County Engineer’s Office, he said. It’s currently being reviewed by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ross said.
About half of the project will be paid for through a loan/grant combination of up to $547,000 from the Ohio Public Works Commission, while the rest — about $192,000 — will be paid for by the village, Ross said. The final project costs will be determined once the bids have been approved, he said. It will also pay back about $273,500 over 30 years as part of a loan from OPWC.
“We’re trying to get some private funding to help us out,” he said.
The water line would be the first utility in that area, Ross said, opening up the area for potential development but nothing is in the works.
“If that’s part of it down the road, that’s the benefit of having it, but the village is just looking at it to improve our water system,” Ross said.
MORE LOCAL STORIES: Read the latest news from Michael Cooper
The area has been discussed as a site for development in the past, said Horton Hobbs, vice president for economic development at the Chamber of Greater Springfield.
The water line expansion could lead to further development at a site close to both Interstate 70 and Ohio 4, he said.
“When you give infrastructure to a site or to an area, it certainly opens it up for development opportunities,” Hobbs said. “The area has been zoned for development for quite awhile. One of the key components to that is having the infrastructure in place so water service can be provided from a municipal service rather than wells.”
The project is also positive for both Speedway and Seepex, who have invested millions of dollars within the village limits.
“They’re trying to be proactive and set things up so there won’t be issues with (those businesses),” Hobbs said.
FIVE SPRINGFIELD MUST READS
Special Report: Healthy Springfield
Springfield man indicted, accused of bringing heroin into jail
Finding work key to cutting crime, saving money in Clark County
Springfield partnership shows promise for heroin-addicted moms, babies
Springfield employers learn about heroin’s impact on brain, workers
Unmatched coverage
The Springfield News-Sun provides continuous coverage of economic development in Clark County, including recent stories on more proposed development on Bechtle Avenue and unemployment rates.
By the numbers
$680,000: Estimated cost to connect water lines near Speedway Drive in Enon.
$273,500: Estimated amount of grant money provided for the project.
$192,000: Estimated cost to the village for the project.
About the Author