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Consider Funds For Paving Work

The idea of helping to pay for a road 3 miles outside the village may raise eyebrows among some Barnesville taxpayers. But because it could improve the community’s economy and provide new jobs for some residents, it is worth considering.

Belmont County Port Authority Executive Director Larry Merry went, hat in hand, to a Barnesville Village Council meeting last week. His purpose was to seek help in paving township roads that lead to the Joint Economic Development District 2 Industrial Park. It is located off Ohio 147 about 3 miles east of the community.

Merry explained the total cost of the project is expected to be about $720,000. Of that, a developer is willing to cover $100,000. It is hoped grants will cover much of the remainder — but that still would leave about $168,000 needed to complete the paving.

Saying he intends to seek funding help from township trustees, too, Merry asked that the village contribute toward the work.

Asked how much he is seeking, Merry replied that “I’m not here asking for half of it or anything like that, but if you could come up with something, I’d sure appreciate it.”

Council members made no decision on the request last week. But, asked about it, Barnesville Community Development Director Bill Knox sounded supportive. “It’s a good project,” he said, adding, “I think if we continue down the path we’re on, I think it’s going to get better and better.”

Obviously, village council members can find plenty of ways to spend money inside municipal limits. They should not consider any funding that would jeopardize important projects inside Barnesville. But contributing to the paving project, by speeding development of the industrial park along, could pay off for village residents in the long run.

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