Water project in progress

LIMA —The weight of the water is almost over. A new project is underway by the Allen County Commissioners, Engineers and the State of Ohio. Drainage Engineer Joe Gearing has applied for funding through the H2Ohio and the GLRI (Great Lakes Restoration Initiative) funds for the Baughman Ditch Project.

The project will include wetlands located at 2338 N. West St. The goal is to address flooding issues by creating an area for storm runoff.

According to Commissioner Beth Seibert, the regional retention pond will capture standing water for 48 hours and release it slowly into the drainage system.

At the Allen County Commissioners meeting Thursday morning, the assistant prosecutor Kayla Campbell requested approval for the time of the project. Allen County Commissioners have agreed to complete the wetlands portion of the project within two years of the approval date.

”The easement with the state regarding the Baughman project,” said Campbell. “It is located on the DRC (Ohio department of rehabilitation and correction) property.”

The easement with the State of Ohio will allow Allen County to use a portion of its land for the project.

Commissioners shared their gratitude and hope for the project.

”I just wanted to thank all the parties that took time getting this together,” said Cory Noonan, Allen County Commissioner. “Thank you Kayla for being a big but small piece of this entire thing. It is a critical piece. I thank you and Joe and the state.”

“I think this was the largest hurdle,” added Brian Winegardner, Allen County Commissioner. “Once we have this, I think everything else will fall into place.”

The commissioners will continue to discuss cost and funding as they await approval from the State of Ohio.