WARREN — Trumbull County commissioners unanimously voted to approve using up to $30,000 in county funds to pay DLZ Ohio Inc. to do an alternate study on the demolition of the Leavittsburg Dam in Warren Township.

DLZ Ohio Inc., a Cincinnati-based engineering firm, has agreed to do a $40,272 study to examine the effects of removing the dam on the surrounding community.

Trumbull Engineer Randy Smith previously agreed to provide up to $10,000 for the study.

Township residents and officials for more than two years have been fighting to stop the removal of the low-head dam. The dam is the last of 13 that were looked at to be removed.

Although located in Warren Township, the dam is owned by the Trumbull County Metroparks Board.

Trumbull Metroparks Board in December entered into an agreement with RiverReach Construction Design Build Team at $645,532 for removal of the Leavittsburg Dam, which is set to begin in 2025.

A Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program grant worth $3,203,500 will cover restoration activities and the long-term management of the project site that satisfies Ohio EPA requirements.

Leavittsburg Dam is visible from West Market Street near North Leavitt Road.

Warren Township Trustee Kay Anderson is pleased the commissioners agreed to look at avenues other than the dam removal.

“It is very generous of the commissioners,” Anderson said.

Warren Township on April 23, entered into an agreement for professional services with DLZ Ohio Inc.

The township trustees spoke to representatives of DLZ earlier this week.

“They will be coming here within a week or two to start the study,” she said. “This not only will affect Warren Township residents, but also those of surrounding communities.”

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