Visitors and residents entering Howland at routes 48 and 82 will now be greeted with a welcoming stone wall and attractive landscape announcing their entrance into the township.
The cost of the project was made available with Transportation Enhancement Funds along with state and federal highway dollars, said township administrator Darlene St. George.
''It was our idea, and they built it,'' St. George said.
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Visitors and residents entering the township at the routes 46 and 82 intersection will notice the gateway project that announces their arrival into Howland. The project was completed last month.
The interchange improvements created a more efficient and beautiful gateway into Howland, she said.
Innovative technologies were included in the construction that included a green wall and vegetated swales to capture runoff, increase water quality and provide habitat for local wildlife. The swales also will provide maximum storm water benefits to the interchange.
''The use of diverse Ohio native landscaping and wildflower restoration areas create habitats for birds, butterflies and macro invertebrates,'' St. George said.
Those areas are marked off with educational signage.
According to St. George, the only cost to the township was the cost of planting the trees. The trees, themselves, were provided free of charge from the state of Ohio.
''Attractive gateways inspire a sense of community pride among its residents and show potential investors that they are entering a community that cares to invest in its infrastructure,'' she said.