LEAVITTBURG — A $13.83 million sanitary sewer improvement project set to begin this fall will provide sewer connections for residents of Pendleton and Gillmer roads.

A public informational meeting took place recently at LaBrae High School, where county officials discussed the timeline and aspects of the 16-month project that will allow 264 structures in the Meadowbrook area to tap in for sewer service.

Trumbull County Sanitary Engineer Gary Newbrough said the sanitary sewer project will serve the residents of the two streets and require residents to pay to tap into the line. He said the project also includes two pump stations with one on Park Road and the other on Bacher Road.

He said funding has been obtained for the project.

Newbrough said in 1999, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency conducted environmental testing in the Meadowbrook area and determined there were failing septic systems, which created a public health nuisance. The county commissioners then planned to get a sanitary sewer system for this area and 14 other areas of Trumbull County.

Trumbull County Commissioners Rick Hernandez said “this is a large project with a large service area that will benefit many residents.”

Approximately $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan funds was used for Burgess and Niple of Mentor to be project consulting engineers for the project design documents and engineering services.

Newbrough said project funding includes a $3.7 million U.S. EPA grant, a $750,000 Ohio Public Works Commission grant, a $750,000 Community Development Block Grant, $369,000 in principle forgiveness from the EPA, and $300,000 in American Rescue Plan funds. There also is an $8 million Ohio EPA 0% interest loan.

Newbrough said the one-time tap-in connection fee of $1,850 and the needed sanitary sewer permit is the responsibility of the homeowners. He said there also will be a $35 per month capital charge.

Sewer bills will be billed by Trumbull County at $9.85 per 1,000 gallons per month.

Julie Green, director of the Trumbull County Planning Commission, said financial assistance will be available for low- to moderate-income residents who qualify.

Newbrough said regardless of what side of the road the sewer line is on, service connections are made under the road. Bids for the project will be opened July 10 with construction beginning in September.

“This will be major construction work in your neighborhoods,” Newbrough said.

Residents at the meeting asked what options are available for people who already have septic systems in place. Newbrough said the tap-in may not be needed in some cases but each situation needs to be reviewed.

Written comments can be made through Friday to the Board of Trumbull County Commissioners, 160 High St. NW, Warren, OH 44481.