Request Overview:

The request is for $9-10 million in federal funding for construction of a water treatment plant north of Wellsville, Ohio in Columbiana County.   The total cost of the treatment facility is an estimated $30 million.  USDA funding has been granted for a large portion of this project, but additional Federal money is needed to cover the total cost. 

Project Description:

The project calls for construction of a water treatment plant and raw water pump station.  It includes construction of a water line from Wellsville to the outlying rural areas including Lisbon and areas north.

Project Cost: 

The total project cost is an estimated $50 million.  This cost includes both the water treatment facility as well as water lines from Wellsville north. 

Economic Impact:

Columbiana County is the northern most part of Appalachia. Completion of this project, and the spin-off jobs that it will generate, will considerably strengthen and diversify the industrial base of this economically distressed area. 

Current Status: 3/1/06

Recent funding includes $250,000 through Congressman Strickland's office via the 2005 Omnibus Appr. Bill.  The site along Rt. 45 between Wellsville and Lisbon has been acquired and environmental study completed.  A major feed line and storage tank is also completed.  Additional grant funding has been committed by US EPA and Ohio EPA in the amount of $7.5 million. USDA has granted $20 million toward this project. Request for $2 million from FY 2006 Appropriations Bill made through Congressman Strickland’s office along with US Senators Voinovich and DeWine. Additional funding needed for completion.  Plant raw water intake plans are completed. $5 million promised in loan money. $2.2 million needed in funding to run waterline from Rt. 45 at Westpoint Rd. to Lisbon. FY2007 Appropriations Bill request has been submitted through Congressman Strickland and US Senators Voinovich and DeWine for a total of $2.0 million for this project.

Project Contact:

Bert Dawson, Columbiana County Engineer, at (330) 424-1740 or Greg Sherlock, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, at 330-744-2131, Ext. 15.