City, Port Authority Announce Infrastructure Project

ODOD Grant Award Supports Roadway Repair

Details were recently finalized between the City of Wilmington, the Clinton County Port Authority, and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) (formerly the Ohio Development Services Agency) for the use of a $1.1 million grant in support of repairs to Airborne Road.

“This is a significant, and much appreciated, investment by the Ohio Department of Development,” said Clinton County Port Authority Executive Director Daniel Evers. “The grant will fund nearly half of the estimated project cost.”

Collaborating with the City of Wilmington, which has jurisdiction and maintenance responsibility for Airborne Road, the Port Authority researched possible options for funding assistance. Airborne Road is a significant municipal roadway, and primary point of access to numerous businesses – including the Wilmington Air Park, where 14 businesses employ nearly 4,000 people.

“The primary focus of the grant funds is to complete the roadwork project, as noted in the application,” said Evers. “We are grateful to ODOD for this opportunity to complete that work, which will facilitate the retention of jobs within this corridor and enhance expansion and new investment opportunities.”

A regional economic engine, the Wilmington Air Park draws employees from a 60-plus-mile radius, including 14 counties.

The project will include milling the existing pavement along the full length of the road (3.52 miles) and overlaying new pavement, as well as grading to enhance drainage off the road surface. The work will likely start in 2022 and be completed before the end of the year.

“We recognize the importance of this asset in the county and the region,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “This project demonstrates what is possible when local and state officials work together to advance community projects.”

While the funding will flow through the Port Authority, the City will manage the construction project. As costs are expended, reimbursement will be received from the State.

“Addressing the infrastructure in the City of Wilmington has been a priority in the past several years,” said John Stanforth, Mayor of Wilmington. “This grant allows us to continue to ensure that our citizens have quality roads to allow them to get to work – and throughout our community – safely.”