Commissioners approve resolutions on flooding study, road projects

The Harrison County Commissioners approved resolutions Aug. 7 covering a wide range of issues. The first began with a letter of support from the board to apply for funding with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District for a Phase I study “to investigate the causes of flooding and debris accumulation along Conotton Creek and its tributaries, which directly impact the communities of Jewett, Scio, and Bowerston…” as read by Commissioner Amy Norris. 

“The results of this study will form the foundation for future improvements and watershed management strategies that will protect public safety, preserve infrastructure, and enhance environmental quality throughout Conotton Creek and its tributaries,” the letter said. 

Norris followed the reading of Resolution 29-25 supporting the application for funding and making it official. 

“Whereas, the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District’s PWM Projects Assistance Program provides funding to support watershed planning and management efforts…” the resolution said. 

The second resolution 30-25 was preceded by a letter of recommendation from Assistant Engineer Stuart White that dealt with the resurfacing of Harrison 43, which recommended the work be awarded to Shelly & Sands Inc. for $212,296.82. The resolution, which was also read by Norris, was approved by the board. The resurfacing includes portions of Harrison 43 with centerline and shoulder work.

Another letter of recommendation was read in support of NLS Paving Inc. being awarded the resurfacing of Harrison 17 in the amount of $290,005.50. Norris followed that with the reading of Resolution 31-25 where it stated the county engineer's office received funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission for the resurfacing of Harrison 17, which includes centerline striping and shoulder treatment. The board also approved this resolution as well. 

Other bids received for the project were from Saorsa Construction ($301,245.20), Cast & Baker Corporation ($379,796.50.) and Shelly & Sands Inc. ($300,037.41.

The board also approved Resolution 28-25 to green light Harrison 29 for “non-maintained” status beginning at the intersection of Ohio 519 to the intersection of Harrison 38 for “approximately 3.62 miles.” The board acted under the recommendation of the Harrison County Engineer's Office stating that the road “does not meet the statutory definition of a county road per Revised Code…” Two public hearings were already held July 30 and Aug. 6 with no public comment received.

Finally, the board approved a Road Use Maintenance Agreement release in Agreement 51-22. Work had been done by Ohio Power Company for electric transmission line work on various roads in Harrison County.