The road, which would run from the area across from Harding High School and run south to University Drive, would relieve congestion on State Route 95 which has grown in the last two years due to increased development of several businesses in the area.

That development has provided increased financial reasons for the new connector as well. Sales tax in Marion County has gone up 7.66% in the last year, the second largest gain in the area. That number is also higher than the growth of Delaware County, which was the fastest growing county in Ohio last year.

The increased sales tax leads those in power to believe substantial development along the proposed corridor would be a benefit to the area.

“If anyone says Marion is an economy that can’t pick itself up, I want you to reconsider that,” commented Daniels.

Commissioner Daniels, along with Marion County Engineer Bradley Irons, presented a plan “to help pick Marion up” during a press conference Thursday morning at the Marion Area Chamber of Commerce.

The cost for the road, according to Daniels, would be $1.8 million. That money could be raised “with no new tax revenue.” Translation: no new taxes.

Daniels’ plan calls for $500,000 to come from an increase in Issue 2 tobacco settlement money from the Ohio Public Works Commission. Earlier this year, Governor Ted Strickland produced his economic stimulus plan which paved the way for an increase in OPWC funds. In Marion County, that money is expected to rise from $1.5 million to $3.1 million dollars. Normally, the money would go towards repairing streets and bridges, according to Irons, but with the extra amount allotted this year, all work could still be done and have the half million dollars for the connector.

Another $500,000 would come from an interest free government loan. The repayment of that loan would be $25,000 per year over the next 20 years.

Finally, the final $800,000 would be covered by bonds. The bond repayment, initially, would be interest only in the amount of $20,000 for the first five years. After that, the amount would jump to $42,000.

The worst case scenario would be, according to Daniels, “There is no development and the commissioners have to pay $67,000 (per year) which, I think, is worth it to alleviate the congestion on 95. I know the people on Kensington Place would think it’s worth it.”

The catch of the plan, however, is that the commissioners would have to vote “yes” by September 15th in order to get the government money.

The plan will be discussed, and could be voted on, at Tuesday’s Commissioner’s meeting which begins at 9 AM.

Commissioners Andy Applefeller and Ken Frayer could not be reached for comment.