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NEWTON FALLS --The village has been awarded a $73,900 paddling-enhancement grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Waterways Safety Fund to make improvements at the Commerce Park launch site along the Mahoning River water trail.
Village Manager David Lynch said the village received word this spring of the funds, which will be used for improving access to the river for canoeing and kayaking with a launch ramp.
He said plans are to make the area safer and easier for people to get to the river and also to make the area Americans with Disabilities Act compliant.
There also will be a driveway and parking lot.
Lynch said the goal is to increase access and opportunities for water recreation.
The Paddling Enhancement grants are funded by Ohio's recreational boaters through the Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a share of the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees as well as funding from the U.S. Coast Guard
The Mahoning River's west and east branches in Newton Falls have been shown to mayors in Trumbull and Mahoning counties, with a focus on recreational development.
"We are hoping to create an opportunity for various parties to participate from this region in development along the river and more access to the river," Lynch has said.
Lynch said the village applied in 2020 for the grant but didn't receive it, so the village tried again this year.
In other business at Tuesday's meeting, council voted 4-0 to provide the joint fire district up to $15,000 for fire uniforms, shoes and work clothes.
Fire Chief Doug Theobald said there are 41 members on the fire roster, with special safety shoes costing between $130 and $150 depending on size and style, and pants $50 to $70. He said the firefighters are given two T-shirts a year and turnout gear.
Theobald said they are reviewing vendors for such items.
Councilman-at-Large Brian Kropp recommended the firefighters be given an allowance to pay for their clothes on their own and not be told what they should buy.
Theobald said the village currently does not provide an allowance.
Resident Julie Lemon said it is important to take care of the fire department, noting some of the COVID-19 relief funds should be for the firefighters.
Also, resident Thomas Colosimo asked council on behalf of the Newton Falls Commerce Association to improve sidewalks downtown, since this affects businesses.
"When are the contractors planning on finishing the sidewalk repairs from the holes they made installing the 5G lines? Some of the businesses affected were promised that the repairs would be made on June 29 and closed accordingly. They never showed, and the businesses lost wages for an entire day for no reason or explanation."
Colosimo said the entire sidewalk should have been replaced.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com