By Wayne Gates –The Ohio Department of Transportation is working out of a new $9 million maintenance facility in Georgetown.
The new complex was officially opened on August 16 with a ribbon cutting and open house.
ODOT District 9 Deputy Director Vaughn Wilson welcomed state and local officials, employees and guests.
“It was 14 months ago that we tore down the old facility and we are looking forward to operating out of this new one this winter,” Wilson said.
He said that the new facility was large enough to store all of the snow removal equipment indoors, which means that ODOT workers can get out on the road faster when bad weather hits.
“We can accommodate 13 trucks and other pizqeces of equipment that are incidental to the snow and ice operation,” Wilson said.
He also said that the building had new repair and washing facilities for the equipment.
Wilson also recognized Brown County Engineer Todd Cluxton and the Brown County Senior Fair Board for allowing ODOT to use their facilities for storage.
“We also want to thank the people of Georgetown for their patience during this process,” said Wilson.
State Representative Doug Green and State Senator Joe Uecker were also in attendance and briefly addressed those assembled.
“We are excited to see (taxpayer) money used well. We look forward to the long service that this facility will provide,” Green said.
Uecker added, “A facility like this is very important for those who look out for the safety of the traveling public. I congratulate ODOT for this and I wish you all the best.”
Wilson said in information provided by ODOT that the new facility “will do much to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our crew’s daily operations.”
The new complex includes a 19,000 square foot truck storage building along with an office building and cold storage building. Construction took about 14 months to complete.
