ALLEN COUNTY, Ohio (WLIO) - More than $9 million in state funding is being awarded for infrastructure improvements across Ohio, with Allen County receiving $2 million for road upgrades tied to economic development.
The Port Authority of Allen County received the funding through the Ohio Department of Development's Roadwork Development Grant program for improvements along McClain and Breese Roads. The project includes widening and repaving about 2,700 feet of McClain Road from Commerce Parkway to Breese Road, along with widening and repaving roughly 2,600 feet of Breese Road from the I-75 ramp to McClain Road.
Officials say the project will support growing development in that area, including the new Amazon distribution center, Murphy Tractor, Ohio Logistics and improve access to existing manufacturers.
"With road improvement projects, when we're seeking grants, we need to be able to prove we've got capital investments from businesses and we're retaining jobs and also growing jobs, and that helps us get grant dollars," said Cindy Leis, president and CEO of Allen Economic Development Group. "Widening that road means better accessibility not only for the businesses, but the people that live around there accessing I-75, wider roads mean safer roads and more accessible."
The project is expected to retain around 660 jobs and create about 230 additional positions. The port authority officials say they hope to complete the projects by the end of the year.
