Grant would bring new trail to Bright Road and Melrose

Findlay City Council has rushed legislation authorizing city officials to pursue a state grant that could fund the construction of a $1.12 million, multiuse trail along Bright Road and Melrose Avenue in 2027. Council agreed to waive its three-reading rule, and voted 9-0 in regular session Tuesday to pursue the Transportation Alternative Program or TAP fund grants this year from the Ohio Department of Transportation. Councilman Grant Russel, R-at-large, was absent from the meeting. The legislation also included emergency language, waiving a 30-day waiting period for its enactment. Instead, it becomes effective immediately upon the mayor's signature. In a letter to council, dated Jan. 8, Jeremy Kalb, city engineer, said the project will extend a multiuse trail on Bright Road from Fostoria Avenue to Melrose Avenue and on Melrose Avenue, from Bright Road to Crystal Avenue. "The proposed 10-foot multiuse path will connect new housing developments on Melrose Avenue to various destinations, such as places of work, convenience stores, adjacent neighborhoods, etc.," he said. Kalb also detailed the plans to council at Tuesday's regular meeting. If awarded, he said the grant is expected to pay for 95% of the project, with the city responsible for the balance and engineering and design.