Mahoning County authorizes eminent domain for North Turner Road sewer extension

Mahoning County authorizes eminent domain for North Turner Road sewer extensionThe Board of Commissioners approved the acquisition of easements for Improvement No. 537, alongside new service contracts for the Sanitary Engineering Department and discussions on chronic stormwater flooding.

Commissioners authorized eminent domain to acquire permanent and temporary easements for the North Turner Road Area Sanitary Sewer Extension.

The Sanitary Engineering Department secured two non-general fund service contracts totaling $23,900.

Severe recent storms highlighted chronic flooding and sewer backup issues, particularly on the county's West Side and in Boardman Township.

Officials noted that the ABC Water District recently received a major grant to help fund future stormwater mitigation projects.

The Mahoning County Board of Commissioners has formally requested to proceed with eminent domain to acquire permanent and temporary easements for a key wastewater infrastructure project. Approved during the board's July 9, 2026 meeting, the resolution authorizes the county to secure the necessary land for the North Turner Road Area Sanitary Sewer Extension, officially designated as Improvement No. 537. In addition to the easement acquisitions, the board approved a pair of non-general fund service agreements for the Mahoning County Sanitary Engineering Department. The department secured a $3,000 emergency services contract with Valley Industrial Trucks, Inc., as well as an estimated $20,900 contract for services with Morrone Mechanical, Inc. The wastewater infrastructure approvals coincided with broader discussions on countywide stormwater management following a severe storm that caused significant flooding, water damage, and sewer backups across the region. Residents and local leaders raised concerns during the meeting about chronic water accumulation, particularly on the county's West Side and in Boardman Township. Emergency Management officials noted that the county has been working to slowly mitigate these drainage issues over several years, pointing to completed efforts like the Market Street school mitigation process. Commissioners also highlighted ongoing efforts to address the chronic flooding in Boardman Township, noting that the ABC Water District recently secured a major grant to support future stormwater infrastructure projects under its new leadership.