HAMILTON — Butler County will be asking the state next week in Columbus for $63.1 million to build the Ohio 63 extension in two phases.

        The project, extending Ohio 63 from near Salzman Road in Monroe to U.S. 127, north of Seven Mile, would relieve traffic congestion in the growing Trenton-Monroe area, help the Miller Brewing Co. facility and other industries in the area, and spur economic development.

        County officials will be presenting their plan to the Ohio Department of Transportation's project review board.

        The board, which is called the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), won't make a decision until next January.

        To underscore the project's importance, the county commissioners Thursday unanimously passed a resolution declaring the Ohio 63 extension as the county's No. 1 state-funded road project.

        “It's now a question of securing the funding,” Commissioner Courtney Combs said.

        The commissioners met Thursday with County Engineer Greg Wilkins and representatives from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Miller Brewing Co. and other local officials.

        Chip Gerhardt, a member of TRAC, attended the meeting at the commissioners' invitation to help them refine the county's presentation to TRAC.

        He said TRAC would be impressed with the community support behind the project and with the commercial and industrial development the project could stimulate.

        Mr. Gerhardt, of Anderson Township, suggested they gather more details about potential economic development.

        The county or local share of the project is $26.7 million. The commissioners plan to enact a sales tax increase this year to fund this and other projects designed to attract businesses.

        The western segment of Ohio 63 would be completed in 2006, while the eastern segment would be completed in 2008.

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