Homrighausen updates CIC on rail bridge talks

Harrison County Community Improvement Corporation Executive Director Nick Homrighausen shared several project updates at the Dec. 9 meeting, including ongoing efforts to widen the rail bridge on US 250. The goal is to allow truck traffic through the corridor, avoiding a 70-mile detour and supporting increased commerce in the county.

He also reported major movement on Senate Bill 219.

“I testified for the bill in front of the Senate. So it did pass the Senate floor as of Tuesday, Nov. 25. Senate Bill 219 would modernize the regulatory scheme for the oil and gas industry,” Homrighausen said.

He said the bill was approved with several amendments, including allowing oil and gas well operators to continue drilling except under court-ordered injunctions and requiring the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to show good cause before shutting down wells. It passed the Senate 25-8.

“I did get positive feedback about how my testimony gave a good perspective to those senators who are not from the area or involved in oil and gas,” Homrighausen said. “I think that’s positive for Harrison County. Obviously we’ll continue to always, whether myself [sic] or the commissioners, testify and tell the county’s story. I think that helped the bill pass.”

Homrighausen also referenced an ODOT meeting earlier in the month regarding the I-77 and US 250 interchange in New Philadelphia. No CIC executive board members were able to attend, so Homrighausen’s parents went in their place to gather information.

“The reason this is important and that it affects Harrison County is that the proposed new on and off ramp off I-77 supports commerce and makes access easier to our existing businesses and those we are currently working to attract,” he said. “It’s important we’re aware of this as it will cut down time and give access to Harrison County. That’s something businesses look at in their logistics. This is something we’ll keep an eye on as the CIC and as the county.”

Homrighausen encouraged CIC members and residents to visit ODOT’s website in the coming weeks to submit public comments.

“Please write from Harrison County’s perspective, for there to be no height restrictions so that we can have superhaul routes. We want to be able to get stuff in here,” he said.

He added that the CIC will discuss the project further next month after members have time to review the information packets.