Norwalk gets $2M grant

NORWALK — Norwalk will receive a grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation earmarked for Phase 5 of the West Main Street improvement project. The $2 million award is being provided through the Small City program, Ohio Department of Transportation director Pamela Boratyn said through a news release. The Small City Program provides Federal funds to small cities with populations from 5,000 to 24,999 that are not located wholly within a Metropolitan Planning Organizations' boundary. There are 51 small cities that meet this program's criteria, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. "The Small City Program is an essential tool for helping communities improve their roads, sidewalks, and safety infrastructure," Boratyn said. "Through these grants, we're providing critical funding to improve transportation infrastructure, enhance safety, and support economic growth." Phase 5 of Norwalk's multi-phase project includes full-depth reconstruction, removal of old trolley tracks and base brick, installation of a new traffic signal, new curb ramps, and sidewalks from Newton Street to the Church Street/Case Avenue intersection. In addition to Norwalk, seven other cities were awarded funding through the program to "support critical road infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, and economic development," according to the release. In total, the eight projects will receive over $12 million dollars. "Investing in local communities is critical in keeping Ohio's infrastructure strong and communities connected," DeWine said. "These awards represent Ohio's continued commitment to supporting the unique needs of our smaller communities across the state."