Rep. Wachtmann Announces Release of Funding for Local Flood Mitigation Efforts

State Representative Lynn Wachtmann (R-Napoleon) today announced that the State Controlling Board approved the release of $50,000 for flood mitigation efforts in the Village of Ottawa in Putnam County.

According to documents from the Office of Budget and Management, this funding will support the first phase of planned improvements to the Road I-9 bridge embankment by securing professional engineering services in order to design the project, as well as the design for construction of a diversion channel upstream from the bridge. Additionally, funding will allow for a certified appraiser to be hired in order to acquire the necessary property for completion of the diversion channel.

“I want to thank Governor Kasich for supporting this funding.  I also want to thank Senator Hite, U.S. Senator Portman, Congressman Latta, and the local organizations and officials in Ottawa,” Rep. Wachtmann said. “Flood mitigation funding has been something that I have been working on for years and it wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work and support of everyone involved.”

The $50,000 is part of the $8 million approved for the project in Sub. House Bill 483, the appropriations section of the Mid-Biennial Review (MBR) passed in June.