West Jennings project: Move forward or ditch it?

VAN WERT — A tri-county partnership is underway. Allen, Putnam and Van Wert counties have partnered in a joint county board project following a ditch project petition.

“There is a ditch just over west of Delphos called the West Jennings and landowners have petitioned it to be cleaned,” said Kyle Wendel, Van Wert County Engineer. “It is just roughly 5 miles worth of channel and roughly 9,200 acres in the watershed. We are going through the hearing process as per the Ohio revised code to determine whether we proceed.”

The joint commission board and the Van Wert County Engineer’s office held its first hearing on Tuesday. Many residents gathered to discuss questions and concerns about the upcoming project.

Following the first hearing, Wendel said the next step is completing a survey and creating a design plan for the $1.4 million project. The board will hold a second hearing and then decide to move forward with the project or end it.

Engineers also said over 600 parcels are involved. Although 90% of the project is in Van Wert County, the other counties play a role in the decision-making process.

“The interesting thing is that this is a joint board of 3 counties, not just Van Wert,” said Thad Lichtensteiger, Van Wert County Commissioner. “Most of it is here. The watershed is also in Putnam County and in Allen County. They are signatories to the decision. They decide as well.”

Wendel added the importance of the project such as draining farm ground to basic plumbing needs.

“They all benefit from this drainage; it is just how bad the problem is and just how bad they want it done,” added Wendel.

Reach Precious Grundy at 567-242-0351.