News Summary

Butler County officials still are trying to get cities and businesses on board for a road extension project meant to improve highway access.

It's been years in the making, but the Butler County Transportation Improvement District is working to get the necessary funding to extend Ohio 63 west of Ohio 4, opening up landlocked Trenton and other western areas, said Ron Porter, director of the TID.

Funding has been an issue, however, and Porter said Miller Brewing "claims not to have the financial wherewithal to help" monetarily with the extension although it would directly benefit from a quicker route to the west for its trucks. Officials have instead offered possible lobbying support in Columbus, he said.

TID member and Hamilton councilman Ed Shelton said the company should at least begin contacting government officials on the project's behalf.

"They need to send a letter to Gov. Strickland explaining the importance of this project," he said. "Without it, it hurts the project."

Miller officials could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, the TID is trying to get the city of Monroe to pass a resolution supporting the OH-63 project, which would extend five miles into its limits, said Greg Wilkens, Butler County engineer.

But the city has not been anxious to jump on board, said William Brock, Monroe city manager.

While the extension may open up the western side of the county, "who's left with managing that traffic and paying for the cost that traffic will bring? That's the city of Monroe. The project doesn't take into consideration our added costs at all," he said.

The extension could offer more access to new Monroe businesses like Cincinnati Premium Outlets and the Home Depot distribution center, Brock acknowledged, but since the project is still years down the road, "it's not something we are selling."

As state funds dwindle for road projects, Shelton said the TID should consider making the extension a toll road, an idea floated by the county commissioners earlier this year.

"It would help us get the funding," he said.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2843 or jheffner@coxohio.com.