Grassroots efforts do not always accomplish their goal quickly, but it is certainly true that a small group of dedicated, hard-working, persistent people can make big things happen for their communities.

That is happening before our eyes in Marietta, as the Historic Harmar Bridge Company earlier this month got good news from the state. The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program has awarded it a grant of $950,000 for initial engineering and design work for the bridge’s swing span, as part of what the group hopes will be a full restoration of the bridge one day.

“This is just the beginning,” said Ali Schultheis, communications director for the Historic Harmar Bridge Company. “This grant is a huge step toward our goal of salvaging and rehabilitating the bridge. It means the state hears us — it hears the people of Marietta.”

In this 40th anniversary year for the company, the dream remains to reopen the bridge as a pedestrian-only crossing.

For Fourth Ward Councilwoman Erin O’Neill that connection is important.

“When I heard the news that Marietta will be receiving nearly $1 million in state funding for the Harmar Bridge project, I was overjoyed, and honestly, a little emotional,” O’Neill said. “This bridge means everything to the people of the west side. It’s not just a crossing, it’s a connection. This investment sends a clear message: Our community matters.”

There will be plenty of opportunities for the whole community to continue supporting the bridge company’s effort. That includes Harmar Days 2025 on July 25-27.

If news of the state’s help brought a little joy to your heart, don’t miss out on those chances to help. There’s no reason to resist getting swept up in the excitement that fueled Schultheis when she said “This is a community project at every level. And we’re just getting started.”