COLUMBUS – State Rep. Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk) is urging Lorain County officials to pause and reconsider accepting and using state infrastructure funding tied to proposed development near the airport in New Russia Township, citing significant concerns raised by nearby residents.
In a statement released Feb. 3 on the Ohio House of Representatives website, Deeter said Lorain County was awarded $67.4 million this year through the All-Ohio Future Fund, a program administered by the Ohio Department of Development. She noted the fund was created before her time in office and emphasized that decisions on how to use the grant are made at the local level, within the terms of the county’s application and agreement.
The funding includes sewer expansion into western and southern parts of Lorain County to support potential commercial development near the airport, along with needed sewer upgrades in Vermilion.
Deeter said she supports responsible growth, private property rights and job creation, but residents have voiced concerns about the project’s scale, location and long-term impact. She urged county leaders to engage directly with residents and explore adjustments that still meet program requirements. If a balanced path forward cannot be found, she said officials should consider declining the grant as currently proposed.
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