Licking County, Ohio — The Licking Regional Water District Board of Trustees and St. Albans Township Board of Trustees today voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement between the two entities. The deal supports orderly economic development, and sets a clear path for future water and sewer extensions in the township’s unincorporated areas. “By partnering with St. Albans Township, we continue advancing our objective of delivering reliable water and sewer service without shifting costs to our existing customers,” said Licking Regional Water District Executive Director Jim Roberts. “This partnership reinforces established service areas and demonstrates how regional collaboration and coordinated infrastructure planning can strengthen local decision making, promote fiscal efficiency, and ensure that growth occurs in a deliberate and sustainable manner. St. Albans has articulated a thoughtful vision for managing growth while preserving its rural and agricultural character, and we are proud to support that vision through a strong intergovernmental partnership.” The agreement aligns with prior agreements with Licking County commissioners and the State of Ohio’s 208 Water Quality Management Plan, and provides a dependable path for responsible growth. “Centralized water and sewer service is critical to the thoughtful growth outlined in our comprehensive plan,” said St. Albans Township Trustee Tad Van Ness. “This agreement gives us the tools to move that vision forward while protecting our rural character and ensuring that new development pays its own way.” The agreement also directs near-term infrastructure investments. Work will focus on the State Route 161/Worthington Road and State Route 310 corridors. LRWD currently operates waterlines along State Route 310 north to Jersey Mill Road.  New service extensions will rely on dedicated economic development tools, including joint economic development districts, new community authorities and tax increment financing. Those tools will reimburse the district for planning, design and construction costs, and support the township’s goals for sustainable growth. The full agreement is available  here .

The Licking Regional Water District is pleased to announce that we are moving forward with a new project to extend potable water and sanitary sewer service along portions of Summit Road and Morse Road in the City of Pataskala and Jersey Township. The project is currently out for public bid, with construction activities anticipated to begin in spring 2026.  The project area begins on Summit Road SW north of Cable Road, continues to Morse Road and extends east along Morse Road ending near Harrison Road SW. The improvements include the installation of approximately 11,400 feet of 8-inch and 16-inch PVC waterline and nearly 10,300 feet of 12-inch PVC sanitary sewer.  The Licking Regional Water District is not requiring residential property owners in the project area to connect to water or sewer lines upon completion of this project.   Residents and property owners who would like to review the project plans or learn more about water or sewer service associated with this project are encouraged to contact Licking Regional Water District at 740-927-0410 or customerservice@lickingregionalwater.gov .  Read the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Environmental Assessment on the project here .

LICKING COUNTY, Ohio —  The Licking Regional Water District (LRWD) announced today the completion of Phase 1 of the Union Township Water Line Project, marking a major milestone in the multi-phase effort to bring reliable water service to the Luray community in Union Township. Properties within the Phase 1 service area are now eligible to connect to the new water line. “This project represents years of planning and collaboration between the District and the Township,” said LRWD Executive Director Jim Roberts. “Phase 1 is a significant step toward ensuring our residents and businesses have dependable access to clean water for generations to come.”   Construction on Phase 1 began in August 2024. To ensure no costs were passed on to existing customers, the project was funded entirely through economic development incentives adopted by the Township. The new infrastructure extends from Gale Road along U.S. 40 and south to the Interstate 70 interchange. The total project cost was about $5 million.   “Our partnership with the District has been a game changer for Union Township residents and business owners,” said Union Township Trustee Roger Start. “This phase of the water line project will bring exciting new opportunities for commercial growth and development to the area.”   Eligible Union Township residents and business owners will receive letters in the coming days detailing how to connect to the new water line. Those with questions about connecting to the new water line may contact the District at 740-927-0410 or  customerservice@lickingregionalwater.gov . Phase 2 of the water line project will extend service north to Refugee Road, east to the municipal limits of the Village of Hebron and south of Interstate 70. Phase 2 is currently in the design stage with bidding for construction contracts expected to begin this winter. Phase 3 will introduce sanitary sewer service to the Luray area. ###

Jersey and Union townships will join the new Licking Regional Water District. Licking County — The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District (SWLCWSD) has announced significant changes in its governance structure and name. The Board of Trustees voted yesterday to expand the board to include representatives from Jersey and Union townships, a move that will strengthen the district's commitment to equitable representation across its growing service area. In tandem with this expansion, trustees also voted to change the district’s name to Licking Regional Water District. This rebranding effort reflects the district’s evolving mandate to address the water and sewer infrastructure needs brought on by ongoing economic development throughout Licking County. “The new direction established by our trustees reflects the district’s mission to smartly respond to our region’s development needs while continuing to improve the services and value we provide to our customers,” SWLCWSD Executive Director Jim Roberts said. “The improvements to our trustee structure and eligibility requirements demonstrate our commitment to aligning our board with the customers we serve.” Rebranding to Licking Regional Water District underscores the district’s broader regional focus. As economic growth continues to shape the landscape of Licking County, the district aims to ensure that its name accurately represents its service area.  In total, changes to the SWLCWSD governance structure and trustee eligibility include: Jersey and Union townships will join Etna and Harrison townships and the city of Pataskala as appointing authorities.  The district’s service area will expand to include Jersey and Union townships. Future trustees must reside within and be eligible to receive services from the district. Future trustees must not be current elected officials or employees of the appointing authorities.  Appointments will carry four-year terms. New appointment terms will be staggered, with Union Township having an initial three-year term. Future terms will begin on January 1.  Terms of existing trustees will be extended until December 31.   The new governance structure and updated name must be approved by the Licking County Court of Common Pleas through an amendment to the district’s 1995 organizational petition. The district’s legal team is currently preparing the amendment to file before the court, which will schedule a hearing on the matter after a four-week public notice period.  “As we move forward with these changes, our focus will be on ensuring that all future steps are collaborative, transparent, and to the benefit of all of our customers,” Roberts said. “We look forward to working with our current board members, representatives from Jersey and Union townships, and the court to complete this process.” ###

LICKING COUNTY, Ohio  — The Licking Regional Water District (LRWD) has received formal notice from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency that its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit for the Pet Run Wastewater Treatment Center has been renewed through April 30, 2030.   “This permit renewal provides a valuable resource for future planning,” LRWD Executive Director Jim Roberts said. “It allows us to stay ahead of growth and ensure the infrastructure is in place to protect public health, provide clean water and support responsible development.”   While there are no immediate plans to begin construction on the Pet Run facility, the renewed permit gives the district added flexibility for long-term infrastructure planning. It also ensures the district is prepared to meet growing service demands in the years ahead.   The Raccoon Creek Wastewater Treatment Center remains the district’s top infrastructure priority. LRWD continues to dedicate its primary resources and planning efforts to that project, which is expected to support the region’s long-term water and wastewater needs.   LRWD first identified the need for a new wastewater treatment facility along the state Route 161 corridor in a 2018 master planning study. At the time, the Pet Run facility was planned as a 250,000-gallon-per-day plant to serve that area. However, additional planning initiated after Intel announced its development in western Licking County showed the need for greater capacity than originally anticipated. The district currently operates the Gale Road Environmental Control Facility, which has a permitted capacity of 4.3-million-gallons-a-day. It is in the process of constructing the Wagram Wastewater Treatment Center, which is expected to be completed in spring 2026.

Licking County -- The Licking Regional Water District this month welcomed three new members to its Board of Trustees. These new appointees will join Board President Trent Stepp and Vice President Melissa Carter in providing leadership for the District as it continues to grow and serve an expanding service area. Approved as part of the District’s recent governance expansion, the new appointees highlight the District’s commitment to ensuring inclusive representation and strong leadership for the region’s continued growth and development. “Our expanded Board structure reflects the District’s dedication to meeting the needs of a rapidly growing region while ensuring accountability and collaboration,” said Executive Director Jim Roberts. “We are excited to welcome our new trustees, who bring exceptional expertise and a shared commitment to providing excellent service to our customers and fellow government partners.” Steve Clegg, Secretary Steve Clegg, appointed by Harrison Township, brings extensive experience in public service and government administration to the Board. He will serve as the Board’s secretary. Since 2011, Clegg has led Ohio’s Wage and Hour Administration section at the Department of Commerce, overseeing labor laws related to minimum wage, overtime, prevailing wages, and minor labor. He also served as president of the Interstate Labor Standards Association, representing labor enforcement officials across the U.S., Canada and Taiwan. He began his career as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives and later served as an administrator for off-campus education programs at Columbus State Community College. Clegg is a 2003 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in political science. Scott Davis, Treasurer Scott Davis, appointed by Jersey Township, brings nearly 30 years of public service experience to the Board. He will serve as the Board’s treasurer. Davis is the assistant fire chief for the Mifflin Township Division of Fire, where he has served for 24 years. Davis has also contributed to local governance as a member of the Jersey Township Zoning Board. Davis is committed to helping the District meet the growing infrastructure needs of the region, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and accountability. He is a graduate of Licking Heights High School and earned an associate degree in fire science from Columbus State Community College. Paul Leist, At-Large Member Paul Leist, the Board’s at-large member, is a certified professional geologist and president of Buckeye Mineral Services, Inc. He has more than 20 years of experience in geological and environmental consulting and has prepared more than 100 mining permits in Ohio. Leist is recognized as an expert in hydrologic impacts of surface mining. His technical expertise will help the District continue to provide high-quality water services and maintain its dedication to environmental sustainability. Leist is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where he earned a degree in geology. These trustees bring a diverse range of skills and leadership experience to the Board. Their appointments align with the District’s mission to deliver high-quality water and sewer services, respond effectively to development demands, and support rural areas in Licking County. Together with Stepp and Carter, they will help ensure the District is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of Ohio’s fastest-growing region. ###

Licking County – The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District has announced that the Board of Trustees has hired Jim Roberts as Executive Director. Mr. Roberts will begin on October 23, 2023. Mr. Roberts has nearly 40 years of engineering experience with almost 30 of those years as the principal of successful engineering firms. Most recently Mr. Roberts was a Senior Consultant at Verdantas and prior to its acquisition by Verdantas, he was the President of Jobes Henderson & Associates (previously Hull & Associates), which under his leadership designed nearly all of the Etna Corporate Park and helped create over 10,000 jobs in Licking County. Mr. Roberts brings decades of local leadership experience. He is actively involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, and Grow Licking County. Mr. Roberts has also been a dedicated public servant for more than a decade. He has served on the Heath School Board, the Licking County Planning Commission, and is currently serving on Heath City Council. An alum of The Ohio State University, Mr. Roberts is the recipient of the Alumni Association’s 2017 Robert M. Duncan Alumni Citizenship Award, which is presented to alumni who have distinguished themselves in service to humanity and who have best exemplified the University’s motto, “Education for Citizenship.” “Jim Roberts is the Board's choice to serve as our Executive Director. He is well versed in the skills we were looking for to lead the District during these extremely challenging times. He will be expected to seek mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors, while protecting our current customers,” said Trustee Larry Kretzmann, President of Board of Trustees. “Jim has a long history of building relationships in Licking County. I believe his expertise and fresh perspective are exactly what the Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District needs to guide us through the anticipated growth of the region,” said Trustee Melissa Carter. “The Board is excited to welcome Jim to the District. He is a proven leader with strong regional relationships which will be instrumental in moving the collaborative Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District forward. The District is an integral part of the delivery of critical infrastructure needs in western Licking County and, under Jim's leadership, will employ the regional solutions necessary to fulfil the future water and wastewater needs. He will seek to build new partnerships with our neighbors and will ensure that we continue to provide, clean, reliable, and economical service to our existing customers,” said Trustee Trent Stepp. “I am excited to take this position and help move the District forward in these exciting and unprecedented times in Licking County. I hope the relationships I have built with an entire career in Licking County can be beneficial in helping move the county forward in a collaborative manner. The District is in a great place as we sit today, and working with the board and staff to determine how to best move forward with the best interests of our current and future users will be both challenging and rewarding,” said Jim Roberts. The Executive Director position was created by the Board of Trustees in June and will replace the General Manager position, which has been vacant for four years. CJ Gilcher has served as the Interim General Manager during this period and will become the Operations Director overseeing the day-to-day operations of the water and wastewater systems. “For the past four years, our staff has been patient with the process and supportive of Mr. Gilcher and we are now ready for the next phase of our development within our territories, to move forward, under Jim's leadership,” said Mr. Kretzmann. “We were blessed to have so many exceptional candidates interested in the opportunity to lead the District into the future. The excitement we are seeing is a testament to unprecedented opportunities for growth in the region and our unparalleled reputation as the regional leader for water and sewer,” said Mr. Stepp. ###

Licking County – The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District has recently purchased just under 100 acres of land in St. Albans Township in anticipation of future infrastructure needs throughout the western Licking County area. Although the actual uses and layout of the land are yet to be determined, the area is large enough to provide both water and sewer treatment facilities. The site not only presents a regional solution to potential water and sewer service, but also opens the door to new regional partnerships and opportunities to combine existing facilities. It is anticipated that EPA regulations will become more stringent in the future and modern facilities planned with these requirements in mind will create regional opportunities for cost-effective compliance. More than ten years ago, the District anticipated the growth potential of the 161 corridor and the need for a regional solution for water and sewer services. Since that time, the District has worked to establish a service area and to plan for the extension of services. “The District is aware of the need for future water and sewer capacity in the western Licking County area,” said CJ Gilcher, interim General Manager. “We began planning and extending services into those areas a number of years ago, and this is a continuation and expansion of that capacity.” “The reality is that new development is not just coming, in some cases it is already here,” said Larry Kretzmann, District Board President. The District is also planning other expansions that will provide a benefit to existing customers. “We’re always looking for new partnerships and opportunities to grow and provide services to new customers, but we are also committed to providing quality services to our existing customers. We want to assure our existing customers that they aren’t going to subsidize the cost of providing new services to prospective customers. We remain firmly committed to our principle that ‘Development Pays for Development.’ Ultimately, the existing customers should see a benefit to this growth from an economy of scale perspective,” said Kretzmann. “The District will begin planning site layout and capacity as development demands become more clear, but we won’t fully know the extent of capacities until we know what those demands are, once local planning and approvals are further along,” said Gilcher. ###

Licking County – The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District announces today that the District’s insurance carrier, Selective Insurance Company of America, has decided to settle all outstanding legal matters between the District and John Carlisle. This settlement concludes the nearly four years of litigation between Mr. Carlisle and the District. The terms of the District’s general liability insurance policy permit the insurance carrier to settle claims at their sole discretion, which in this instance they determined to be pragmatic. Specifically, a settlement offer from the insurance carrier in the amount of one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars, less than one third of Mr. Carlisle’s claimed legal fees as presented to the court by his attorney team, was offered by the carrier and accepted by Mr. Carlisle, subject to the execution of a settlement agreement. No District funds are being paid towards the settlement. The District’s numerous counterclaims against Mr. Carlisle for unjust enrichment, fraud in the inducement, and breach of fiduciary duty will be dismissed as a result of the settlement. “It was our insurance carrier’s prerogative to settle the pending cases. Although we were confident that we would ultimately be successful on the merits in each of the cases, our insurance carrier examined the costs associated with prolonged litigation, because of the potential for appeals, and they elected to make a business decision to settle the matter for pennies on the dollar” said Nick Eippert, the Chief Legal Counsel for the District. “Four years is a long time to "settle" an issue that was "unsettling" from the beginning. The massive misuse by Mr. Carlisle of a government body for self-enrichment is stunning and wrong. To settle for an actuarial solution, I'm sorry to say, is the system under which we operate. But this is the situation we find ourselves in. Our job is to protect and serve our member/customers, which the Board did. Our preferred solution was to litigate the facts. Our insurance provider, however, had the discretion to settle the lawsuits for us. Honorable Trustees is the only answer,” said Larry Kretzmann, President of the Board of Trustees. “It’s important for our customers and community partners to know we were not in favor of contributing any money towards a settlement agreement” said Melissa Carter, Secretary of the Board of Trustees. “Our insurance carrier provided us with an outstanding legal defense team, and on behalf of our entire staff, we want to thank the law firm of Teetor Westfall and express our appreciation for all of their hard work over the last four years. They truly helped to minimize the disruptions caused by this litigation and were support agents for our entire team,” said Board of Trustees Vice President Trent Stepp. “This has been a challenging time for our team members that were pulled into this situation. We are grateful for their efforts and are pleased they did not have to deal with the stress of a trial. We are excited to turn the page and dedicate the full resources of the District toward the new growth in the legacy District and expansion of our services in the 161 Corridor,” said Jim Roberts, Executive Director. ###

Licking County – The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District (SWLCWSD) today announced that commencement of the construction of Phase I of the Union Township Water Line Project is set to begin in August.    Phase I of this project will extend water service from Gale Road east along US 40 to State Route 37, and then south to the I-70 interchange. This new infrastructure is intended to facilitate growth to the Luray area, which has been targeted by the township for future commercial, light industrial, and mixed-use developments.     As a regional water and sewer utility provider, SWLCWSD is able to provide service in various areas where development is desired, which is determined by local governments. “This project is the result of our partnership with Union Township,” said SWLCWSD Executive Director Jim Roberts. "The township identified where they wanted service for future development and then our teams worked hand-in-hand to establish funding mechanisms to generate new revenue to pay for the new improvements."    Roberts emphasized the project will not impose any costs on current township residents or existing district customers, adhering to the district's "Development Pays for Development" philosophy. This initiative will be primarily funded through Tax Increment Financing and a Joint Economic Development District, capturing new revenues from new development. These funds will cover the entire project cost, including long-term maintenance. Phase I of the project is expected to cost $5 million.    "The revenue generated from the new developments along these corridors will be instrumental in reducing the future tax burden on our township residents," said Union Township Trustee Roger Start. "This project is not just an investment in infrastructure, but in our community’s financial health and future."   "This partnership is the blueprint for collaboration across Licking County, and this project serves to illustrate the willingness of the district to partner with our neighboring communities to respond to community needs as they arise," said Jim Roberts.   Phase I of the project is expected to be complete in the summer of 2025. Phase II of the project, which extends service lines to the north to Refugee Road, to the east, and south of I-70, is currently in design and anticipated to bid in Fall 2024. Phase III of the Project will bring sanitary sewer to the Luray service area and is currently in preliminary design.   ###

Licking County – The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District is now the Licking Regional Water District following today’s approval by the Licking County Court of Common Pleas. Along with the name change, the court approved an expansion of the district’s Board of Trustees, adding a representative from Jersey Township and an at-large member, both of whom will begin their terms in January.    The district will initiate rebranding efforts immediately, aiming to complete the transition to its new name by early 2025. This change reflects the district’s commitment to supporting regional growth and ensuring inclusive representation across its expanding service area.   “The court’s approval affirms our board’s vision of strategic service expansion that meets the needs of our customers and aligns with the rapid development in Licking County,” said Jim Roberts, executive director of the Licking Regional Water District. “The updated board structure, coupled with our new name, reinforces our mission to provide excellent service and grow in tandem with the communities we serve. We are focused on a smooth transition and are excited to embark on this new chapter.” The governance update incorporates additional structural changes to strengthen accountability and representation: Jersey Township will join Etna and Harrison townships and the City of Pataskala as appointing authorities. The district’s service area will expand to include Jersey Township. Future trustees must reside within the district and be eligible for district services, with eligibility restrictions on holding elected office or employment with appointing authorities. Etna, Harrison, Jersey and Pataskala appointees will serve four-year terms, while the at-large member will serve a two-year term.   These enhancements are part of the district's strategic efforts to align its name, governance, and services with the growth and needs of Licking County. ###