Harrison commissioners approve airport, election and housing measures

The Harrison County commissioners handled mostly routine appropriations and agreements during their April 8 meeting.

The board approved Contract 5-26, which involves the Ohio Airport Improvement Program and provides a matching grant for general aviation airports. The contract is between the Harrison County Airport Authority and the Ohio Department of Transportation.

“This is to reconstruct the apron terminal lot,” Commissioner Dustin Corder said. “This is for Phase 1 design.”

Corder said the total project cost is $161,000, with $152,950 coming from federal funds. The remaining $8,050 will be covered through a state grant.

Under purchase orders and vouchers, Harrison County EMS was appropriated $114,000. Corder said the county advanced EMS $83,000 last year for the purchase of an ambulance, and that amount is included in the total.

The Harrison County Board of Elections also received a $10,000 appropriation for an Election Security Grant.

“We have received grant money from the Secretary of State’s Office to comply with Directive 2026-20, Security of Critical Infrastructure,” Kelli Martin, deputy director of the Board of Elections, said in a letter to the commissioners.

According to the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, Election Security grants are formula grants under the Help America Vote Act.

Election Security funding provides states with additional resources to improve the administration of elections for federal office, including to enhance technology and make certain election security improvements.

Under Agreement 49-25, the board approved an addendum to a contract with ODOT for a highway safety improvement project totaling just over $235,000. Corder said the original project, approved in November, was funded at $200,000. The total has now increased to $235,290.50.

The board also approved Resolution 26-26 and Contract 6-26, applying for the 2026 Community Housing Impact and Preservation program through the Department of Development, Office of Community Enhancements. The request is for $400,000 to address local housing needs.