Jefferson County commissioners green light pipeline deal
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STEUBENVILLE -- The Jefferson County commissioners Thursday signed documents that give the green light to the first of seven oil and gas pipelines in the county.
The commissioners signed the standard right-of-way and temporary access road agreements with MarkWest Energy Partners LP, a wholly owned subsidiary of MPLX LP. In exchange for the pipeline, which will occupy about 2,092 square feet of property in the Jefferson County Airpark's grounds, MarkWest has agreed to pay the county $156,000.
This first of seven pipelines needed to be expedited based on budgetary reasons, Commissioner Tony Morelli said, adding that MarkWest's investments will be "positive" for the county. In total, MarkWest will be investing more than $15 million in the project, portions of which will go to individual landowners within the county.
Separately, the commissioners approved a request from the county coroner's office for an additional $4,000 in funding. Correspondence from Coroner Dr. Michael Scarpone indicated the office's funds had been depleted following the "unfortunately high number of individuals needing … studies thus far this year." Scarpone noted additional funds will be used to cover the cost of current and future expenditures, with costs being kept to a minimum.
Commissioner Dave Maple commented, "To the doctor's credit, he's always looking for better, faster and cheaper ways to accomplish the same task."
In other matters:
• The commissioners signed a $108,087.59 contract with Hilscher-Clarke Electric Co. For county engineer Jim Branagan's 2023-2024 tree removal project.
• At the recommendation of the county prosecutor's office, the commissioners approved a motion authorizing clerk Stacy Williams to put the county's fully equipped dog warden vehicle up for bid.
• The commissioners scheduled a reorganization meeting for 9 a.m. on Jan. 8 for reappointments and possible policy changes. A budget meeting will occur in the first weeks of January once year-end numbers are finalized, Maple said.
• No bids were received for two sheriff's department cruisers by Thursday's deadline, meaning the commissioners will have to put them out for bid again.
• The commissioners expressed satisfaction over the Ohio Department of Transportation's removal of barriers, left lingering on state Route 7 after the completion of a repaving project from the state Route 213 connector northward.