Miami Township is using American Rescue Plan Act funds to strengthen township services to the community. The Board of Trustees approved a resolution (Resolution 28-2023) at its March 7, 2023, meeting to use ARPA funds for the purchase of three new plow trucks that will replace worn out vehicles.
“The township wants to commit these funds to long-term investments that benefit the community and make a difference for everyone,” Administrator Chris Snyder said. “Our residents will be able to see those funds at work every time our public works crews are out salting the roads or hauling materials for various projects. Replacing these vehicles will improve efficiency where and when it matters most during critical storm events, helping keep our residents and drivers safe.”
Three Western Star chassis will be purchased through an Ohio Department of Transportation purchasing contract at a final cost that will not exceed $340,000. A fourth chassis will be purchased next year from the sale of the old trucks at government auction. ARPA funds are also planned for future purchases of equipment for the trucks such as plows, dump beds, spreaders and hydraulic controls.
“These new trucks are critical when it comes to driver and public safety. They will be better designed for driver safety during long shifts and will have an active braking system that immediately starts to take power out of the motor and apply the brakes should something suddenly come into a truck’s path,” Public Works Director John Schweickart said.
Residents can expect to see the new trucks on the road early next year once they are fully equipped.
“The new trucks are geared around improved efficiency, maintenance and driver safety. We also always want to keep community safety in mind with these purchases while at the same time, provide the best possible service to the community,” Schweickart said.
Trustees approved ARPA funds (Resolution 26-2023) for the purchase of replacement trucks for the Parks Department at its February 21, 2023, meeting at a cost that will not exceed $250,000. The funding is being utilized to implement Miami Township’s long-term capital replacement program, putting the community on a more stable financial trajectory to manage maintenance costs in the coming years.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 10, 2023
Contact: Jill Drury, Communications Manager
(937) 433-9969