The agenda for the council meeting tonight was on the short side. There was approval for a cooperation agreement for ODOT to replace some signs on 91, this will be paid for by ODOT. Additional, city council approved several grant applications through AMATS. This is the process the city goes through to receive federal funding for road improvement projects (on roads that qualify). These grants reduce the city’s spend on these projects to 20% of the cost with federal funds paying 80%. This allows the city to invest more of our dollars on the local and neighborhood roads. These projects are often 3-4 years out after the application from the grant. This type of funding is how the current Graham Road project is being paid for. The projects that were applied for include:
- Norton Road reconstruction (between Hudson & Darrow)
- Arndale Road resurfacing (between 91 and Stow Rd)
- Darrow Road Sidewalk Project (phase 2)
- Graham Road Resurfacing (Phase 1–Darrow to Fishcreek)
- Graham Road Resurfacing (Phase 2–Fishcreek to Newcomer
- Stow Bike Connector, Springdale to Graham Rd
- Graham/Fishcreek Intersection Improvement
- Kent Road Corridor Signal Operation Improvement
- Darrow Road Corridor Signal Operation Improvement
Hopefully we will hear which projects will receive grants by the end of the year or early 2020 so we can begin the planning process for these projects.
Other city paving projects are also beginning. North River road from Marsh to the Kent city limit will be taking place next week and the Graham Road project is expected its final paving the week of July 8th after several rain delays.
Lastly, next week is the July 4th parade. It will have a new location to start this year–the Target Plaza on Kent Road. The parade starts at 10 AM and has approximately 115 participants. I will be participating in the parade this year with my wonderful family and friends, we look forward to seeing you there!