TIFFIN, Ohio — Mayor Lee Wilkinson has submitted a significant street paving proposal to the Tiffin City Council, which will resurface nearly 30 residential streets in 2025.
The ambitious plan, with an estimated construction cost of $975,000, is set to be bolstered by federal funds made available through the Biden-Harris administration’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
The proposal includes resurfacing 27 streets, with Wentz Street slated for maintenance paving ahead of upcoming sewer work. The construction projects are expected to be opened for bids later this year, with work commencing in the spring or summer of 2025.
The Urban Paving Program, a central part of the city’s 2025 infrastructure improvements, will focus on resurfacing a majority of the city’s portion of U.S. Route 224 south of State Route 18. This project, estimated at $617,500, will be significantly funded through a $330,000 Urban Paving Grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation. This grant, a product of increased federal funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, underscores the direct impact of the Biden-Harris administration’s infrastructure initiatives on local communities like Tiffin.
Funding for the street paving program is also possible because of the Road and Bridge Levy.
“I want to thank the voters who approved the levy funds, which helps the city to invest more in our road infrastructure,” Wilkinson said. “Thank you also to the City Engineer’s Office for their efforts in planning and designing these vital projects.”
The total proposed investment in Tiffin’s road infrastructure for 2025 is approximately $1.6 million—a significant increase from the $300,000 to $400,000 typically budgeted annually before the passage of the Road and Bridge Levy and the introduction of federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to rebuilding America’s infrastructure has enabled smaller cities like Tiffin to undertake more extensive and impactful projects than previously possible.
Despite the positive impacts of the infrastructure law on Northwest Ohio communities, Tiffin’s representative in Congress, Rep. Bob Latta (R) of Ohio’s 5th district, voted against the legislation, along with nearly 200 other Republicans in the U.S. House.
In addition to the resurfacing projects, the city also plans to implement a pavement maintenance program using Reclamite asphalt rejuvenator to extend the life of recently resurfaced roads. The program, costing about $60,000, will focus on roads resurfaced in 2023, ensuring the longevity of the city’s investments.
Mayor Wilkinson’s proposal highlights how federal infrastructure investments, combined with local funding, are helping to revitalize Tiffin’s roadways and improve transportation safety and efficiency for its residents.
To see the full list of proposed streets to be paved, visit the City of Tiffin’s website at this link.
