Rep. Ritter Applauds Controlling Board Approval of Funds for Projects in Meigs County

COLUMBUS, OHIO – State Representative Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta) today announced that the Ohio Controlling Board approved the release of funding for two projects in Meigs County, both of which are investments in promoting quality of life in the community and protecting the natural resources of the region. 

Funding has been allocated in the amount of $130,000 through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to purchase over 38 acres of property in Meigs County to expand the Miriam Walter Barrens State Nature Preserve in a long-term effort to preserve one of Ohio’s rarest natural communities. This 46-acre preserve, which was donated in 2021, includes three grass dominated openings, a mineral spring, plus mature oak-hickory and mixed mesophytic forest. 

“I’m glad to see next steps taken to further protect and preserve this beautiful tract of land in Columbia Township, further enhancing the Miriam Walter Barrens State Nature Preserve and benefitting future generations in the region,” said Rep. Ritter. 

According to ODNR, the lands contain high-quality oak barrens habitats, associated prairie/barren communities, and mesophytic forest, all of which contribute to the region's biodiversity and represent landscape conditions characteristic of southeastern Ohio approximately 250 years ago. 

Funding in the amount of $14,834 was also approved through the Abandoned Gas Station Cleanup Grant via the Ohio Department of Development for a project at the former Miller Ashland Gas Station in the Village of Rutland. Cleanup includes the installation of a ground water monitoring well, well development, well sampling and a summary letter report to the Bureau of Underground Storage Tank Regulations (BUSTR). The Abandoned Gas Station Cleanup Grant provides funding to assess and clean up former gas and service stations with documented petroleum releases. The village intends to turn the property into greenspace with plans to redevelop it for commercial use.

“These resources will be helpful in cleaning up this abandoned gas station in Meigs County, which is an important endeavor for the community, environment and future economic development,” said Rep. Ritter.