STEUBENVILLE When a project is taking longer than expected, it can draw concerns from residents.
Jefferson County Commissioner Tony Morelli said at Thursday’s commission meeting he’s received phone calls and heard concerns from residents and first responders in Bergholz over the current closure of the bridge on state Route 164.
“It’s not a county project, it’s a state project that’s basically came to a standstill,” Morelli said. “I’ve got several calls.”
Morelli said he had talked with state Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, and state officials about the matter.
“Talking to the state and talking to Representative Ferguson, there is a conflict between the state and the contractor,” he said, noting that Ferguson was told getting the bridge open again is “the highest priority” in ODOT District 11.
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Andrew Grimm
ANNUAL REPORT â Jefferson County Engineer Jim Branagan, Chief Deputy Engineer Clay Merrin and Bridge Engineer Kara Bernhart delivered the engineer s department s annual report for 2020 to the commissioners during Thursday s meeting.
STEUBENVILLE Six years ago, the Jefferson County Engineer’s office had 63 bridges that were in poor condition or worse.
According to county Bridge Engineer Kara Bernhart, that number was down to four at the end of 2020.
In total, 53 bridges having been replaced and 71 rehabilitation projects have been completed since the bridge program began with $17.7 million spent on bridge projects in the past six years.
She filled the Jefferson County Commissioners in on the progress Thursday morning as part of the engineer’s office’s annual report for 2020, which she participated in along with Jim Branagan, engineer, and Clay Merrin, chief deputy engineer.
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TALKING INTERNET â Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission executive director Mike Paprocki appeared before the Jefferson County commissioners at Thursdayâs meeting to discuss the steps the county needs to take to improve access to high speed internet. The county approved the pursuance of a grant to fund a broadband feasibility study for the county. Andrew Grimm
STEUBENVILLE One thing the COVID-19 pandemic brought to the forefront is the need for improved high-speed Internet access throughout Jefferson County.
Thursday, the Jefferson County commissioners and Mike Paprocki, executive director of the Brooke-Hancock-Jefferson Metropolitan Planning Commission, discussed how the county can make progress.
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PROCLAMATION â John Crooks, vice president of academic affairs at Eastern Gateway Community College, second from right, accepted a proclamation from the Jefferson County commissioners Thursday recognizing March as Social Workers Appreciation Month. Making the presentation were, from left, Commissioners Tony Morelli, Thomas Graham and Dave Maple. Andrew Grimm
STEUBENVILLE Difficulties normally faced by social workers have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, something that has not been lost on the Jefferson County commissioners.
The commissioners honored those who work in the field during Thursday’s meeting when they passed a proclamation designating March as Social Workers Appreciation Month.
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