The program is designed to provide youth with a variety of useful work experiences and is especially designed to aid youth 14 to 15 years old.  The program is expected to be fully operational by June 1. 

“A meaningful work experience can be an important factor in a young person’s life.  That is what the City and County along with our partners are trying to provide to the youth of our community,” stated John Dowlin President of the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.  Commissioner Dowlin represented the Board of County Commissioners at the press conference.  Commissioners Neyer and Portune along with Commissioner Dowlin had spoken out strongly in favor of a county-wide youth employment program at their April 18th Board meeting.

Funding for this program has been made possible despite the fact that local governments are no longer able to use federal workforce development funds for summer youth employment. The county welfare reform money had been designated for other uses, but wouldn’t have been used before the end of the state fiscal year on July 1.  Therefore, the County was able to fund this initiative without taking money away from welfare recipients.

Trenchless Technology is the techniques for utility and other line installation, replacement, renovation, inspection, location and leak detection, with minimum excavation from the ground surface.

“The Metropolitan Sewer District of Greater Cincinnati continues to be proactive in advancing and challenging the limits of various Trenchless Technologies.  The direction that the District is taking regarding product selection and procurement, sewer lining, directional drilling, and manhole rehabilitation is truly unique and effective,” Ralph Johnstone.

In 1997, the District developed a comprehensive report addressing the procurement of trenchless technologies.  The advisory panel that performed the research was made up of various private and government experts in the field of trenchless technology, procurement, and contract management.  The panel’s final submittal included: a well-defined product approval process, establishment of a separate Trenchless Review Committee to promote trenchless applications, a bid matrix for awarding contracts to “lowest and best” bidders in lieu of simply low bid, a decision tree for reviewing products, and various other procurement changes to include unit price requirement contracts.

The District is currently in the test and evaluation phase of using cured-in-place point repair linings and remote lateral lining (no excavations required).  The intent is to develop as-needed term contracts to supplement the District’s current sewer maintenance and repair efforts.

By opening day 2002 the majority of the ballpark superstructure will be in place and finishing work will have begun.

To increase the community’s awareness of smog in our area and to encourage residents to take actions to reduce the amount of pollution produced, the Regional Ozone Coalition is coordinating the Clean Air-A-Thon.  To be held on June 9th, the Clean Air-A-Thon is a 5 Kilometer race and also includes a walking event and a kids fun run.  The race will begin at Sawyer Point.   

By involving and educating the community on the importance of clean air, we will all begin to breathe easier by reducing air pollution in our area. Each person can make a difference!

For more information please call 336-9242 or get the application on-line through the Department of Environmental Services web page.

Have a Great Week!