T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Pultney Township Trustee Mark Cervelli reports to Shadyside Village Council on Monday that Ohio Public Works Commission funding for a joint paving and drainage project seems likely. Councilmen Nick Ferrelli, left, Brandon Parr and others observe.

SHADYSIDE — A long-awaited joint project between the village and Pultney Township has passed the Ohio Public Works Commission subcommittee in Belmont County and moved to the state level in Marietta, indicating it has a good chance for approval.

On Monday, village leaders heard from Councilman Robert “Bushwacker” Gorrell and Pultney Township Trustee Mark Cervelli, who have been working on a joint proposal for the past two years.

Gorrell said last week’s meeting of the OPWC subcommittee resulted in Shadyside’s project ranking second in the proposals to be submitted to the state level at Marietta, after a Martins Ferry project and ahead of a Belmont County project.

Afterward, Cervelli said the project includes extensive paving and drainage repairs on Central Avenue at the north end of the village.

“Basically it’s a half-million-dollar project. We don’t have an exact cost, because we have to put that out to bid,” he said, adding that the village and township are seeking $253,000 in grant funding from OPWC and a zero percent, 19-year loan of $80,000 through OPWC. He said a loan may increase the chances in the competitive granting system.

“We had 400 points going in. The county awarded us the Number 2 priority, which was another 65 points, so we have 465 points.

The last couple years, you needed a minimum of 455 to get funded from Ohio Public Works,” he said.

Cervelli said the Marietta committee is expected to make its decisions by Dec. 13. He said officials should know by July if they are approved and could be authorized to proceed.

Cervelli suggested putting the bid package out prior to July with the stipulation that no work be done until the state authorizes them to proceed.

He thanked Gorrell for his work on the project submission and commended Belmont County Engineer Terry Lively, a member of the subcommittee, for supporting Shadyside’s project being placed ahead of a county project.

“He’s the county engineer and he’s looking after the county roads, but he also realizes that the villages and the townships are part of the county,” he said.

“I think we set a great example with these joint projects for the future of our county. A lot of the little villages can’t compete with these million-dollar projects, but if you’ve got two or three entities, now you can compete at the same level. It’s pretty hard for a small village to compete against these big cities.”

Council also heard from Pastor Joel Traylor of New Life Fellowship Church, who spoke on behalf of the chamber of commerce about upcoming Christmas events.

The Christmas tree lighting is set for 7 p.m. Nov. 21 with hayrides beginning at 6 p.m. and numerous other activities and attractions including carolers and pictures with Santa ending at 8 p.m. A portion of Central Avenue will be closed.

A Christmas house decorating contest will also be held, with numerous places to register in the village.

The Christmas parade will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 1. Those interested in participating can contact Farmer’s Insurance at 740-676-7500 or the Shadyside Flower Shop at 740-676-3202.

The Shadyside Village Christmas Shopping Day will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 16, with possible activities in the planning stages.