Gavarone Announces Funding for State Route 53 and North Bass Island Infrastructure Repairs
July 9, 2019
Theresa Gavarone News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) this week announced controlling board approval of a $500,000 Roadwork Development Grant to Ottawa County for public roadwork improvements in support of the tourism industry.
Earlier this year, Gavarone worked to establish a policy change in the state’s transportation budget that would allow Roadwork Development Grants to be used for the construction and maintenance of roads that provide access to tourism sites in Ohio.
After the budget passed, Gavarone met with members of the Ottawa County Transportation Improvement District to discuss changes to State Route 53. The funds will make several enhancements to the road including lane widening and a roundabout at State Road. The project is scheduled to begin in 2020.
“I set out to ensure that residents of Ottawa County and tourists would spend more time in the water, on the beaches, or at restaurants instead of being stuck on the road,” Gavarone said. “Allowing Roadwork Development Funds to be used on important projects, like this one, achieves that goal and also increases safety on Ohio’s roads.”
Additionally, Gavarone announced the approval of state funds for emergency rehabilitation work on North Bass Island’s pier and boat launch ramp area.
ODNR’s Divisions of Parks & Watercraft determined that the structure faced a high likelihood of failure if immediate actions were not taken, which would result in the cutoff of a lifeline for the island's residents, stoppage of commercial deliveries, and the inability to deliver heavy equipment and material for the runway project.
All work on the North Bass Island project is scheduled for completion by August 31, 2019.
Earlier this year, Gavarone worked to establish a policy change in the state’s transportation budget that would allow Roadwork Development Grants to be used for the construction and maintenance of roads that provide access to tourism sites in Ohio.
After the budget passed, Gavarone met with members of the Ottawa County Transportation Improvement District to discuss changes to State Route 53. The funds will make several enhancements to the road including lane widening and a roundabout at State Road. The project is scheduled to begin in 2020.
“I set out to ensure that residents of Ottawa County and tourists would spend more time in the water, on the beaches, or at restaurants instead of being stuck on the road,” Gavarone said. “Allowing Roadwork Development Funds to be used on important projects, like this one, achieves that goal and also increases safety on Ohio’s roads.”
Additionally, Gavarone announced the approval of state funds for emergency rehabilitation work on North Bass Island’s pier and boat launch ramp area.
ODNR’s Divisions of Parks & Watercraft determined that the structure faced a high likelihood of failure if immediate actions were not taken, which would result in the cutoff of a lifeline for the island's residents, stoppage of commercial deliveries, and the inability to deliver heavy equipment and material for the runway project.
All work on the North Bass Island project is scheduled for completion by August 31, 2019.