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Washington County residents are fortunate to have public officials unafraid to do the hard work it takes to bring essential projects to fruition. Last week we learned state officials have taken note, as the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Water Control Pollution Loan Fund announced a $4.4 million loan ... with loan forgiveness on $4 million of that amount for a wastewater pump station upgrade project.
Pump stations affecting Ohio 339 from Barlow to Belpre; Cherry Blossom Lane, the Walnut Ridge Drive and Teri Lane areas of Little Hocking; and the Broughton Lane and Iroquois Drive areas of Devola will benefit from the project.
County Engineer Roger Wright and Wastewater Superintendent Joseph White went above and beyond to make it happen. According to Wright the two spent considerable time double-checking data, details and conditions for all the lift stations, and doing the engineering work required to make the project ready to bid, or shovel-ready, before applying for the loan.
Wright is likely correct that extra effort made the difference.
"We did our homework and had it ready to go," he said.
On top of that, County Commissioner Charlie Schilling said the thoroughness of the loan application and the fact that it was successful could bring more funding.
It is an admirable level of dedication to the job at hand, and Washington County residents must not take it for granted. Wright, White and other county officials who have gone past simply dotting Is and crossing Ts are to be commended for their commitment and achievements.