State Sen. Jerry Cirino, R-Kirtland, recently announced the investment of millions of dollars from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund to support multiple regional community projects.
The fund, Cirino noted, provides an opportunity to invest in projects that will positively affect Ohioans for generations.
“Municipalities and other organizations came to us with great ideas to enhance our neighborhoods, parks, and the safety of our communities,” he said, “and I am thrilled with the support that Lake and Cuyahoga counties will receive to help our citizens and communities thrive.”
Projects awarded funding in Senate District 18 include:
• Willoughby Osborne Park Shoreline Protection — $2 million: Funds will be utilized to repair and restore the shoreline at Osborne Park, which has dealt with erosion issues that have created an unsafe and inaccessible area for visitors
• Uptown Mentor Revitalization — $1.5 million: Funds will help redevelop and revitalize a section of U.S. Route 20 to create a walkable business, residential, and entertainment district
• Concord Township Waterline Extension — $500,000: Investment will allow more residents to access clean drinking water
• iSTEM Painesville Township Haden Facility — $1 million: Funds will support critical building and security upgrades to create a “21st-century” learning environment
• Kirtland Public Library Roof Project — $340,625: Funds will support the library in replacing its 30-year-old roof that is at the end of its useful life
• Bedrock Riverfront Development — $8 million: Funds will invest in the first phase of Cleveland’s riverfront neighborhood, which will add to the region’s development
The investment fund was established under the state’s current operating budget, House Bill 33, which was passed by the Ohio General Assembly last June.
Moreover, the investment fund set aside $700 million as an additional source of funding allowing communities and organizations to apply for help with projects that might not qualify as part of the state’s traditional capital budget which happens every two years.
Projects funded by the traditional capital budget will be announced next week, Cirino added, noting each chamber developed a plan for $350 million of the total amount while coordinating “good-faith” negotiations to determine projects for the investment fund.
The Senate Finance Committee will begin hearings on the bill addressing the funding “immediately.”
