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Local News

Saturday, February 20, 2010

Progress Edition: Putnam County prepared for an improved economy
By JIM MAURER

Staff Writer

OTTAWA -- The national economic downturn is not a new experience in Putnam County, economic development officials say. The county has faced troubles before and bounced back.

This time will be no different, they say.

Jeff Loehrke, Ottawa's economic development director, and Putnam County Community Improvement Corp. Director Martin Kuhlman say the county is prepared for an improved economy.

“I'm hopeful the economy is on the rebound,” Loehrke said during a recent presentation to Ottawa Council, “and I know the Village of Ottawa is in position to once again work toward growing our community in family and business.”

Kuhlman said since the stock market began to climb in October, larger companies have reported turning a profit, and mid-size and small companies are following suit, especially in the past two months.

It is a “true indicator” of improvement in the economy, he said.

Now the federal government is discussing more stimulus funds for job creation, Kuhlman said. The money would be earmarked for infrastructure improvements including water, sewer and storm drainage.

Voters are starting to feel more upbeat, too, he said, and have provided funding so Columbus Grove and Leipsic can construct new schools.

Also, Ottawa and Glandorf are constructing new elementary buildings, both men said, and a new Ottawa public library will be built.

The Ottawa elementary school and the public library both will be constructed on Putnam Parkway.

The village will seek about $565,000 in federal stimulus funds for a 1,500-foot extension of the road to Ohio 15, Loehrke said.

If the federal money is not approved, the road and utilities will be extended 700 feet to serve both buildings, he said, and the project will be funded by the village.

The road then would be finished when further development happens or additional money becomes available, he said.

Besides seeking money for the Putnam Parkway extension, Loehrke said Ottawa is eligible for federal assistance for infrastructure extensions within Highland Industrial Park on the town's southern edge.

The county's unemployment rate was 11 percent in December, slightly above the state average of 10.9 percent. County unemployment was 7.7 percent in December 2008 when the state average was 7.8 percent.

Although above the state average, the county's December unemployment rate was the second lowest in the area.

The impact of the November closure of the W.C. Wood factory in Ottawa is reflected in the December unemployment figures, Loehrke said.

Employees are now back at work at W.C. Wood. It was purchased by Whirlpool Corp. late last year and the freezer manufacturer reopened last month with 120 employees and a potential for additional hiring, Kuhlman said.

Other companies are looking at new construction in Putnam County with potential investments of $20 million, $300 million and $350 million, Kuhlman said.

“Six months to a year ago we couldn't have said that,” he said.

Separately, the Putnam County Port Authority is seeking $25 million in state funding for infrastructure improvements near Leipsic, Kuhlman said. The total includes $11 million for roads and $14 million for railroads.

The port authority also is seeking $3.5 million in funding through the Ohio Department of Development for land purchase and infrastructure improvements near Leipsic, Kuhlman said.

“We have a lot of activity that's going to happen in Putnam County this year,” Kuhlman said.

“It hasn't been easy,” getting through the recession, he said, which is similar to 1981 and 1982.

“We came back (then) and we will come back now,” Kuhlman said.”

Meanwhile, plans will continue to be developed this year for flood control projects in Ottawa.

The Blanchard River Flood Mitigation Coalition and Northwest Ohio Flood Mitigation Partnership will continue to work with the Army Corps of Engineers and engineering firms on conceptual plans.

Some river improvements already are being done.

Last fall, the county received a $693,000 federal grant to continue a river-cleaning program through June 30. Unemployed people or those on long-term layoff are hired to clear obstructions and increase water flow.

Laurie Collins, project operator, also received a $225,000 grant from the state Job and Family Services “Rapid Response” program. The money will be used to lease equipment including a log splitter, chipper, chipper truck and a one-ton truck.

Flood preparedness will be improved this year, too. Ottawa Council approved spending nearly $72,000 to upgrade a Blanchard River gauge and add two federal Geological Survey gauges to provide “accurate and timely information” on weather conditions and to warn of potential flooding.

The village plans to tear down another five flood-damaged houses this year. There were 17 houses demolished in 2009 with federal and state money paying more than $1.1 million.

In 2009, Ottawa celebrated the 175th year of its founding, culminating with a September weekend of activities at Memorial Park. A downtown mural was created to commemorate the anniversary.

Ottawa also updated its Web site in 2009 and implemented a retention and expansion program to track existing industry.

“We feel we're in a good position for when the economy does rebound,” Loehrke said.

Maurer: 419-427-8420,

Send an e-mail to Jim Maurer


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Classes will resume and offices will open again on Tuesday.

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Classified advertising and City and Country advertising for Saturday's newspaper must be placed by 2 p.m. Friday. Classified ads for Tuesday's newspaper must be placed by 2:30 p.m. Friday.

Courier business and advertising offices will close at 3 p.m. Friday for the holiday.