Rep. Sykes Presents $959,752 Check for New Franklin Water and Sewer Project
NEW FRANKLIN, OH— U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) recently presented a ceremonial check to New Franklin Mayor Paul Adamson for $959,752 in federal Community Project Funding for the New Franklin Water and Sewer Project.
“I’m proud to deliver this critical funding to the New Franklin community so they can expand their water and sewer lines to Portage Lakes State Park and other community staples, benefitting both visitors and residents,” said Rep. Sykes. “I will continue working to bring federal dollars back home for projects that enhance the quality of life of our community and encourage development and growth.”
"This funding is critical to the extension of the sewer to the planned $4M ODNR Visitors' Center at Portage Lakes State Park in our city, without which the Center will not be built. The Center will serve the Greater Akron community as well as New Franklin and will also be a catalyst for future commercial and residential development. We are most grateful for this much needed assistance!" said Mayor Adamson.
The City of New Franklin will use this funding to extend sewer and water from existing systems in the city approximately one mile to the Portage Lakes State Park, a 411-acre ODNR facility within New Franklin, and bring sewer and water to St. Luke Lutheran Home (a 71-bed senior center), the New Franklin Tudor House Events Center, and the adjoining lakefront/lakeside neighborhoods. All these facilities and entities are currently serviced by well and septic, with eventual discharge of effluent to the Portage Lakes. The funding will provide clean, safe public drinking water that will improve the quality of life for visitors, the residents of the St. Luke Community, and will improve and preserve the water quality of the Portage Lakes.
The $959,752 for the New Franklin Water and Sewer Project is one of the 12 Community Project Funding recipients, totaling more than $14.9 million, that Rep. Sykes secured in the recently passed 2024 federal spending bill. The other projects included in this funding can be found here.