February 23, 2023
By Editor Rachel Scofield

Last week, Pickerington City Manager Greg Butcher announced that the Ohio Public Works Commission, District 17 had awarded the city a $400,000 grant to go towards reconstruction of the curbs and gutters along Opportunity Way from Hill Road to Lockville Road.

“It is very significant to win the award for the city because by winning this award we will now be able to remove and replace the existing curbs and gutters that have deteriorated without having to use taxpayer dollars,” said Pickerington Councilwoman Jaclyn Rohaly. “Our engineers are always reviewing our roadways and providing recommendations. After the reviews came in, it was made clear that Opportunity Way was a top choice because it is a heavily used road with many issues.”

Councilman Nick Derksen agreed that the grant is a big deal.

“Although most residents may not notice, the city’s active involvement in winning this award will have a huge impact to Opportunity Way’s curb and gutter infrastructure,” Derksen said. “Also, this grant shows the city’s continued commitment to go after available moneys that do not involve spending taxpayer dollars, which is a win-win for everyone.”

Butcher said that the $400,000 amounts to $40,000,000 in city income tax.

Separate from the grant, the city will also be resurfacing Lockville Road.

Pickerington will now bid the project to contractors. Work will begin after July 1 which is the start of the state of Ohio’s fiscal year. The city aims to have the project completed by the end of 2023.

“I want to give a shout out to City Engineer Matt Weber, who prepared the application,” Butcher said. “I especially want to commend Don Rector who sits on the executive board of District 17, which allowed him to personally advocate for the project.”