LIMA — While the city of Lima has had some success in obtaining funding for the Elm Street railroad grade separation project, with $3 million in Ohio Department of Transportation Transportation Advisory Committee funds awarded last year, the city is hoping for similar success with ODOT this year.
Lima City Council will vote on submitting another TRAC funding application during its regular meeting, starting at 7 p.m. Monday at the Lima Municipal Building. The city has also applied for U.S. Department of Transportation Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (funds, as well as Fostering Advancements in Shipping and Transportation for the Long-term Advancement of National Efficiencies funds to help cover the $14.5 million needed for the project.
“The project will construct a grade separation with the Indiana and Ohio Railroad near Lima Memorial Health Systems and is currently in the Detailed Design (Stage 2) phase with the approval of the environmental document expected in July 2016,” Public Works Director Howard Elstro and City Engineer Kirk Niemeyer wrote in a letter to the council. “The TRAC application process allows the opportunity for projects over $12 million dollars total cost to compete statewide for funding. The portion of the project that still needs funding include right of way and construction.”
Other business to be discussed include entering into contract with Kohli and Kaliher Associates Inc. for engineering services in rehabilitating the Pine Street bridge, with the total cost not to exceed $102,300. Additionally, the council will vote on allowing the Lima Police Department’s oldest canine, Bern, to be retired, allowing his handler, Patrolman John Dunham, to purchase the dog from the city. Dunham will retire from the department at the end of May.
