Ashland will use ARPA dollars to fund sewer line expansion on U.S. Route 42

ASHLAND – The rest of the city’s American Rescue Plan Act funds could go toward planning a sewer expansion project along U.S. Route 42.

The Ashland City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to enter into a $425,000 contract with MS Consultants.

The Columbus-based company will design a “sewer line extension” that extends from the city fire station at 42 and Mifflin Avenue to the intersection of the interstate and Middle Rowsburg Road – a distance of four miles.

The city’s ordinance states that the company’s price “shall not exceed $425,000.” Ashland Mayor Matt Miller said the city will likely use the rest of its ARPA funds to cover costs.

Ashland received a total of $2.1 million from ARPA, a federal stimulus package presented to state and local governments in 2021 and 2022 to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

City financial records show Ashland still has $428,988 of its ARPA dollars unencumbered. ARPA rules state that the money must be obligated or encumbered by December 31 to avoid recovery.

“This fits in with everything we’ve discussed so far,” Miller said. “That we want to use this money for projects that have long-term benefits… for the future of our community.”

The remainder of Ashland’s ARPA funds were spent on the rehabilitation of Claremont Avenue, the rehabilitation of a section of State Route 96 (Sandusky Street), electrical infrastructure in the Pump House District area and bonuses for city employees.

“Get our ducks in order.”

The mayor said extending a sewer line within the U.S. Route 42 corridor would relieve pressure on the existing system in the southwest part of the city.

“That’s where most of our residential activities take place,” he said.

But the project is also strategic.

“It opens us up to future residential growth in this area,” Miller said, adding he knows a property owner is currently looking for and surveying properties with plans to build up to 400 residential units.

“The interest from outside developers is just incredible,” the mayor said. “We need to get our ducks in a row so we have a supply system that can handle future growth.”

Councilman Dan Lawson asked if the city was also considering expanding water service in the same area.

The mayor said: “This could happen in the future too.”

“We’re taking a look at all these water lines,” he said. “But that is the pressing problem.”

MS Consultants will design the project and also prepare a bid package and construction documents for contractors. Officials did not say how much the actual project will cost once it is designed.

Miller said the company will begin work “as soon as possible” but does not know when the company will complete the design phase.