Delaware County growth spurs infrastructure investments

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – Delaware County’s population is growing rapidly, sparking massive investment plans.

According to the U.S. Census, more than 5,100 people moved into the county in 2023 alone. The county has gained more than 17,000 residents just in the past four years. The county's population is now approaching 232,000 people, a stark increase from its 2010 population of 174,000 residents.

"We know Delaware County continues to grow fast, fast, fast ... and I see no sign that that's going to abate," Gov. Mike DeWine said. 

Situated just north of Columbus, much of the recent sprawl into Delaware County can be attributed to its location and job opportunities. Chase, in the Polaris area, is Delaware County's largest employer with more than 12,000 workers. Further employment hubs lie just across county lines. 

"We're sitting in between probably the two biggest private sector employers in central Ohio, between Honda and Intel," Delaware County Commissioner Jeff Benton said. "Before Intel was announced, the east side of the county, it was honestly pretty quiet. Our border is a mile from the Intel headquarters, so we're going to see it."

The rush of people has forced county leaders to create "Smart Growth" plans to supply basic infrastructure, like waste services, to new areas. The county's master plan for sewer and water treatment services calls for $265 million in improvements over 15 years. 

"Trying to strategize how to bring sewer to different areas that don't currently have it is, it's very fulfilling," Tiffany Maag, director of the Delaware County Regional Sewer District, said.

Earlier this month, DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation leaders announced a major proposal to renovate U.S. 23 between I-270 and the city of Waldo. ODOT says that stretch of road is currently servicing 30% more traffic than the road was designed to handle.

ODOT is hoping to reduce the number of traffic stops along that stretch of road from 39 to seven or fewer. ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks said cost estimations for the proposal range between $1.4 and $1.9 billion.

"We're all in a big hurry to do this, but this is not going to happen overnight. We're talking about a number of years," DeWine said. 

County engineers are also planning for $150 million in roadway improvements over the next five years, alongside pursuits to better the county's quality of life.

"Things like parks and trails are very important to businesses to grow or expand. Schools are probably equally important," Benton said. "And we think we provide all of those things so that we can attract and grow businesses."