Alliance officials plan to replace lead water pipes with EPA funding

ALLIANCE City officials are trying to replace private lead water lines across the community.

The city council authorized the administration to apply for a loan to pay for the line replacement project. The city expects to receive $ 1 million through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under a program administered by the Ohio EPA.

“It is actually the owners who own these lines,” said Michael Dreger, director of the city’s security service. “We estimate it could be up to 3,000. We estimate there may be more lines to be replaced than we can fund. This will likely begin in early 2021.”

While the approved Board of Directors called the funding a “loan,” Dreger said the city would not have to repay the $ 1 million.

“If you qualify for it, your line will be changed,” he said. “And we’ll pay for the work.”

The new water pipes will likely be copper.

On another matter, Councilor Sheila Cherry, D-1, voiced her displeasure with the recent political rally, dubbed the Trump Train. The motorcade event began in Alliance and ended in Hartville.

It took place on October 11th. It was a rally to support the re-election of President Donald Trump.

Cherry said Allianz police were deployed to provide security during the motorcade.

“Who pays our cops’ time for this type of activity?” She asked. “My second problem is why the organization was focused on part of the city.”

Cherry said there were racist slurs directed against viewers.

“When you are in our city, you will respect everyone who is here,” said the councilor.

Upon hearing Cherry’s concerns, Mayor Alan Andreani said he was unaware of any racially derogatory comments made at the rally.

“This is the first time I’ve heard of racist slurs,” he said. “I find that horrible.”

In addition, the city council approved the city administration requesting a grant for nine new radios for the fire department that would operate under the state’s Multi-Agency Radio Communications System (MARCS). The estimated cost is approximately $ 26,000.

The source of the grant would be the Ohio Department of Commerce.

Contact Malcolm at 330-580-8305

or [email protected]

On Twitter: mhallREP

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