By 1812Blockhouse
The Richland County Commissioners met Tuesday and discussed two projects, one focusing on expanding the popular Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail and another upgrading Belleville’s sewer system. Here’s a detailed look at what was discussed during the meeting.
Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail Expansion: Enhancing Outdoor Recreation
The Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail, an asset for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, is set for expansion. The trail, which spans 600 acres of nature preserves and connects Butler with the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District land at the Newville Bridge, will soon see further development thanks to collaborative efforts between the North Central Ohio Land Conservancy (NCO Land Conservancy) and the Richland County Park District.
A Vision for Connectivity
Eric Miller of the NCO Land Conservancy presented an ambitious plan to further connect the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail to Pleasant Hill, Malabar Farm, and Mohican, ultimately integrating it into a larger trail network. The Conservancy and the Park District, which collectively manage the 600 acres, have been working diligently to acquire additional land and easements to ensure the trail’s expansion.
One key development discussed was the potential acquisition of nearly 14 acres of land currently owned by a Congregational Church on Bunker Hill Road. This land is strategically positioned next to Camp Nuhop, an outdoor education facility, and lies directly across from protected trail land. Camp Nuhop initially sought to purchase the land to create additional parking and trail connections, but it was recently revealed that the camp is not eligible for Clean Ohio funding under its current organizational structure.
Racing Against the Clock for Funding
With an application deadline looming on October 4, the NCO Land Conservancy plans to step in to apply for Clean Ohio funds to secure the property. Miller emphasized the need for prompt action, stating, “We’re seeking approval from the County Commissioners and the Worthington Township Trustees to move forward with this application. Our goal is to ensure the continued growth and connectivity of the trail system.”
The expansion plan aims to alleviate existing issues, such as inadequate parking along the trail, and create a continuous path linking various points of interest, ultimately benefiting both the trail network and the community. The Commissioners were generally supportive, advising Miller to continue working closely with the Park District and other stakeholders to finalize the proposal.
Belleville Sewer Upgrade Project
Another critical item on the Commissioners’ agenda was the Belleville Sewer Upgrade Project, a significant undertaking designed to modernize Belleville’s wastewater management system. The project includes replacing outdated infrastructure and installing a new lift station to accommodate current and future community needs.
Bidding Process and Project Scope
The Commissioners reviewed bids for the project, with proposals from Driven Excavating of Crestline and Simonson Construction of Ashland. Driven Excavating submitted the lowest bid at $4,431,349, slightly above the engineer’s estimate of $4.25 million. Simonson Construction’s bid came in at $5,079,555. Both bids will undergo thorough review to ensure compliance with all requirements before a final decision is made.
The project scope includes replacing the existing lift station at Belleville-Johnsville Road and extending new force mains along State Route 97. This upgrade aims to increase the system’s capacity and improve service reliability, especially for future developments in the area.
Funding and Timeline
Funding for the project includes a combination of local resources and grants, with provisions in place to ensure the work remains within budget. The commissioners noted that the bids were within the allowable limits under Ohio state guidelines, which permit a variance of up to 20% over the estimated cost.
The Richland County Engineer commented on the project’s importance, stating, “This upgrade will enhance the efficiency of the current system and prepare Belleville for future growth. It’s a long-term investment in our community’s infrastructure that will benefit residents and businesses alike.”
Addressing Community Needs
The project is part of a broader initiative to systematically modernize aging infrastructure across the county. The upgraded sewer system will better handle current demands and support future developments, including the anticipated growth near the Belleville area.
The Commissioners emphasized the need for careful oversight to ensure the project stays on schedule and within budget, with a review and recommendation expected within the next week. They also highlighted the importance of coordinating with community members and stakeholders to minimize disruptions during construction.
Community Impact and Next Steps
Both the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail expansion and the Belleville Sewer Upgrade Project reflect Richland County’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. The trail expansion promises to boost recreational opportunities and foster environmental stewardship, while the sewer project addresses critical infrastructure needs to support the community’s growth.
The Commissioners will reconvene next week to review the bids for the Belleville Sewer Upgrade and anticipate further discussions on the trail expansion’s funding application. Both projects are poised to make a lasting impact on the community, enhancing both its natural landscape and its infrastructure.
Image by Sergio Cerrato – Italia from Pixabay
