Columbus, OH- Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today that as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the Ohio National Guard will receive more than $8.5 million for capital improvements to its facilities across the state.

 

“These funds will help us modernize and restore 22 National Guard facilities across the state while also putting more Ohioans to work,” Strickland said. “Not only will we extend the lives of the facilities, but we will reduce our operating expenses and be more environmentally friendly.”

 

The National Guard Bureau began collecting information on "shovel ready" projects from state National Guards in November 2008 in anticipation of a federal stimulus bill. The Bureau focused on roofing projects and projects related to energy efficiency. In the final bill, approximately $266 million was made available for these types of National Guard capital improvement projects nationwide.

 

Three of the projects will install solar panels at National Guard facilities.

 

"The stimulus package will fund Ohio National Guard renewable energy projects, installing solar panels at locations in Columbus, Toledo and at the Camp Ravenna Joint Military Training Center in Newton Falls," said Maj. Gen Gregory L. Wayt, the adjutant general. "These projects will save the National Guard about $78,000 in utility costs within the first year of operation, and will generate about 375,000 Kilowatt hours of electricity per year."

 

The 22 projects will differ in planning and implementation time, but the goal is to move projects forward as soon as possible. The federal stimulus bill requires that these funds be obligated by the end of September 2010.

Columbus,OH--The Ohio Governor’s Office today announced an update to the federal stimulus disbursement process for drinking water and water pollution control infrastructure stimulus projects provided to the state through existing revolving loan funding formulas.

 

Ohio EPA currently estimates distribution of drinking water and water pollution control stimulus project funds will total approximately $276.5 million. Currently, Ohio EPA has received project funding requests for approximately $4 billion through Recovery.ohio.gov. 

US EPA issued final guidance to states on Monday, March 2, 2009, regarding the award and administration of stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009. In this guidance US EPA recommends that states submit applications as soon as possible to allow for states to meet ARRA and statutory deadlines.

"These important resources will create construction jobs and further develop Ohio’s water infrastructure to protect human health and the environment,” Governor Ted Strickland said.  “Both the water pollution control and drinking water infrastructure resources will help to ensure a safe and adequate supply of drinking water for Ohioans.”

 

All applicants interested in completing an Ohio EPA drinking water or water pollution control project interest submission for consideration must observe the following dates and deadlines:

 

 

March 6, 2009 by 5 PM: Final date to submit expressions of interest for drinking water and water pollution control infrastructure projects to http://recovery.ohio.gov/. Applicants should be sure to use the Infrastructure category and appropriate subcategory (either Drinking Water State Revolving Fund or Clean Water State Revolving Fund) provided on the web based form.

 

 

March 13, 2009 by 5 PM: All drinking water infrastructure pre-applications and water pollution control infrastructure nomination forms must be completed and provided to Ohio EPA.

Note that these deadlines apply to the drinking water and water pollution control funds only, not other infrastructure elements of Ohio’s share of the stimulus resources. For example, these deadlines to do not apply to other funding streams through Ohio EPA, such as the National Clean Diesel Campaign.

Ohio EPA will continue to contact applicants who submit (or have already submitted) expressions of interest for drinking water and water pollution control projects to Recovery.ohio.gov.

Applicants who submit expressions of interest for drinking water infrastructure projects will be given information on how to access and complete a pre-application which should be completed and returned to the agency as soon as possible, but no later than March 13. Applicants seeking technical assistance from Ohio EPA on drinking water projects may contact: stacy.barna@epa.state.oh.us.

 

 

Applicants who submit expressions of interest for water pollution control projects will be given information on how to access and complete a nomination form which will need to be returned to the agency as soon as possible, but no later than March 13. (Note: Some applicants may have already received and/or completed the pre-application or nomination form.)  Applicants seeking technical assistance from Ohio EPA on water pollution control projects may contact: becky.hegyi@epa.state.oh.us.

 

 

Once all applicants have completed their expression of interest and submitted their pre-application or nomination form, Ohio EPA will follow state and federal law and US EPA guidance to prioritize the list of projects for funding. Following this process, Ohio EPA will release a draft Intended Use Plan (IUP) for both the drinking water and water pollution control projects.  The draft IUP will include a project priority list and will be subject to public notice, public comment and public hearing requirements. 

As of today, 15,000 total project interest forms have been submitted through Recovery.ohio.gov, Ohio’s virtual headquarters for information regarding the infrastructure and other unbudgeted elements of the ARRA, which has been online for three weeks.

 

Additional information and links to the federal requirements can be found at www.recovery.ohio.gov.

 

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today announced his support for establishing an independent deputy inspector general to monitor federal Recovery Act resource expenditures.

 

Also today, the U.S. Government Accountability Office announced that Ohio is one of 16 states that will participate in ongoing reviews of the use of Recovery Act resources, providing additional federal monitoring and transparency.

 

“Ohio taxpayers deserve nothing less than a full and transparent accounting of how the federal stimulus resources will be spent in their communities to create and save thousands of Ohio jobs and promote lasting economic growth,” Strickland said.  “I support the establishment of a new, independent, non-partisan deputy inspector general position with authority to monitor distribution of federal recovery resources in Ohio to ensure taxpayers have full confidence in the stimulus process.”

 

Yesterday, the Ohio House Finance Committee voted to include this language in the transportation budget.  The model is well-established in Ohio, as demonstrated by deputy inspector general positions at the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation and Industrial Commission

 

“I am hopeful that other legislators will see the value of establishing rigorous oversight through an independent deputy inspector general,” Strickland said.

 

Ohio was one of the first states to establish a public Web site, Recovery.ohio.gov, to provide information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and to ensure that all eligible entities seeking federal stimulus resources are provided with an opportunity to apply for funds, and that they are considered fairly and equally.  This website will also serve as the portal through which Ohioans will find the full details of future stimulus expenditures.

 

“My administration will continue to work in a bipartisan way with members of the Ohio congressional delegation, Ohio General Assembly and other leaders throughout the state to make certain that we put these resources to work in our communities in the manner most accountable to taxpayers and to the federal government,” Strickland said.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today appointments to several state boards and commissions.

 

 

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission, through the adoption of rules and regulations, works toward better enforcement of Ohio’s civil rights’ statutes. It reviews and, if necessary, takes court action against discrimination in housing, employment, union activities and public accommodations.

 

Tom Roberts, of Trotwood, has served as a state senator in the Ohio General Assembly since 2002.  He previously served as a state representative in the Ohio General Assembly from 1986-2000.  Roberts currently chairs the Domestic Violence Task Force for the City of Dayton and is a member of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.   He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton.

 

 

The Cuyahoga Community College Board of Trustees has the power to establish and operate a community college within a designated district and is responsible for setting the school’s tuition, fees and employee salaries.

 

Patricia Kennedy-Scott, of Strongsville, has served as the regional president of the Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Ohio since 2002.  She had previously served as the vice president for Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound from 2001-2002.  She also previously served as the vice president of Michigan Hospital and Medical Center from 1990-1995.  Kennedy-Scott is a member of the board of directors for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1975 and a law degree from the University of Detroit in 1978.

The State Board of Nursing provides for the examination, regulation, licensing, and registration of nurses, nursing school curriculum standards and inspection of the schools.

 

Bertha Lovelace, of Shaker Heights, has served as the nursing director for the Anesthesiology Institute of the Cleveland Clinic since 2007.  She has also served the Cleveland Clinic as a clinical faculty member in the Department of General Anesthesiology since 1976.  Lovelace is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Ursuline College in 2001.

 

Judith Church, of Miamisburg, has served the Kettering Medical College in a variety of capacities since 1968.  She currently serves as the director of nursing.  She has also served as a magnet appraiser for the American Nurses Credentialing Center since 2006.  Church had previously served as a staff nurse for Kettering Hospital from 2000-2001.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Graceland College in 1995 and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2000.

 

The Ohio Elections Commission hears, through “probable cause panels,” certain violations of the Elections Law at expedited hearings. 

 

Larry Wolpert, of Hilliard, has served as the manager of Wolpert Enterprises since 2002.  He previously served in the Ohio General Assembly as a state representative from 2000-2008.  He also previously served as the manager of the governmental affairs division of Grange Insurance from 1979-1999 and as a councilman for the City of Hilliard from 1993-1999.  Wolpert received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1978 and a master’s degree from Capital University in 1984.

 

Danielle Blue, of Columbus, has served as an associate in the law firm of Gallagher, Gams, Pryor, Tallan & Littrell since 2002.  She previously served the same law firm as a law clerk in 2002.  Blue is a member of the Ohio Association of Civil Trial Attorneys.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in 1999 and a law degree from Capital University in 2002.

The Ohio Expositions Commission conducts one fair or exposition annually and may conduct more if they so decide.  The Commission manages the State Fair.

Michael Noel, of Portsmouth, had served as the building and maintenance supervisor for the Scioto County Juvenile Center before retiring in June 2008.  He had previously served as the assistant maintenance supervisor for the Scioto County Courthouse.  Noel has served as the director of the Scioto County Agriculture Society for the past 48 years.  He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1959.

 

Sherrilyn Farkas VanTassel, of Cadiz, has served as the executive director for Russell Nesbitt Services since 2004 and as an attorney in private practice since 1996.   She had previously served as an attorney for Legal Aid of West Virginia from 2001-2004.  She is a volunteer for the Harrison County Literacy Center and is active in the Harrison County 4-H. VanTassel received a bachelor’s degree from Wheeling Jesuit University in 1990 and a law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1994.         

 

David Corey, of Columbus, has served as the president of PACA, Inc. since 1989.  He had previously served as the director of research and development for the United Commercial Travelers of America from 1986-1989.  Corey also serves as the executive director of the Ohio State Corners Association and as the executive vice president of the Bowling Centers Association of Ohio.  He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1985 and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1991.

 

The Accountancy Board sets forth rules of professional conduct to ensure the maintenance of a high standard of integrity within the accounting profession.  It is responsible for conducting CPA examinations and subsequent certification for “Certified Public Accountants.”

 

W. Michael Fritz, of Blacklick, has served as an assurance partner for Deloitte & Touche LLP since 1989.  He had previously served as an executive board member for the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants from 2006-2008 and is a past president of the Columbus Chapter of Governmental Accountants.  Fritz received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.

 

Robert Fay, of Canton, has served as the owner of the accounting firm of Robert F. Fay since 1999.  He also currently serves as the chairman for the Income Tax Board Review for the City of Canton and as an editorial advisor for the publication Small Firms Solutions.   Fay is a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1999.

 

Michael Comer, of Cincinnati, has served as a managing partner for the Cincinnati office of KPMG LLP.  He had previously served KPMG in the role of a Cincinnati federal tax partner from 2004-2007.  Comer is a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs.  He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Virginia Tech University.

 

The Labor-Management Government Advisory Council advises the workers’ compensation oversight commission and the administrator of workers’ compensation on the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services and makes recommendations pertaining to the bureau’s rehabilitation program.

 

Georgia Lee Eckstein, of Shaker Heights, has served as an attorney for Kendis & Associates since 1991.  She had previously served as a rehabilitation consultant for the Industrial Commission of the Ohio-Rehabilitation Division from 1981-1989.  Eckstein received a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College in 1974 and a law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law in 1989.

 

Kenneth Kiefer, of Okeana, has served as the workers’ compensation representative for the City of Cincinnati Fire Fighters’ Local 48 since 1991.  He has also served in the same role for the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters since 2002.  Kiefer is a graduate of Ross Local High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio College of Applied Sciences in 1981.

 

The Maternity and Newborn Advisory Council advises and consults with the Director of Health regarding maternity and newborn health.

 

Rhonda Allen-Garry, of Dayton, has served as a social worker in the neo-natal intensive care unit at the Miami Valley Hospital since 2004.  She had previously served as a caseworker for  the Montgomery County Children Services from 1994-2004.  Allen-Garry received a bachelor’s degree from Tuskegee University in 1993 and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 2001.

 

The Southern Ohio Agriculture and Community Development Foundation endeavors to replace the production of tobacco in southern Ohio with the production of other agricultural products and to mitigate the adverse economic impact of reduced tobacco production in the region by preparing, implementing, and keeping current a plan to develop means for tobacco growers to grow other agricultural products voluntarily. 

 

Larry Hall, of Georgetown, has served as a co-owner of Hall-Ring Farms since 1975.  He has also served as the owner of L.H. Sundance since 1993.  Hall is a past member of the Farmers Home Administration Board Committee of Brown County.   He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1972 and 1975, respectively. 

 

The Clean Ohio Council is charged with reviewing and approving applications and entering into an agreement with the applicant to award a grant or make a loan for the applicant’s brownfield cleanup project.

 

Jay Williams, of Youngstown, has served as the mayor of Youngstown since 2005.  He had previously served as the director of community development for the City of Youngstown from 2000-2005.  Mayor Williams is the recipient of the 2007 John F. Kennedy New Frontier Award for his contributions while in elected office.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University.

 

Doug Corcoran, of Chillicothe, has served as a commissioner for Ross County since 2005.  He had previously served as the director of economic development for the City of Chillicothe from 2004-2005.  Corcoran has also served as the treasurer of the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission since 2007.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1995.

 

The Private Water Systems Advisory Board advises the director of the Ohio Department of Health regarding the revocation or non-renewal of the registration of a private water systems contractor and makes recommendations to the director regarding the amount of surety bond required of private water systems contractors.

 

Walter Domer, Jr., of Dalton, has served the past 28 years as a water systems service technician for the Johnson Hardware company.  He also serves on the board of the Ohio Water Well Association.  Domer had previously served as president of District 6 of the Ohio Water Well Association.

 

Kelly Spindler, of Chillicothe, has served as a field supervisor for the Sanitarian Division for the Ross County Health District since 2004.  She had previously served as a sanitarian for the Ross County Health District from 1996-2004.  Spindler received a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in 1993.

 

Stephen R. Wright, of Wooster, has served as an environmental services manager and hydrogeologist for Frontz Drilling since 1991. He previously served as a project manager for Atec Associates. Wright is a member of the Ohio Water Resource Council and the National Ground Water Association. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron in 1983.

 

The Martha Kinney Cooper Ohioana Library Association’s Board of Trustees collects and publicizes the cultural, literary, scientific, social and economic achievements of Ohioans.

 

 

Frances Allen, of Cincinnati, has served as an associate librarian for the University of Cincinnati Libraries since 1994.  She had previously served the University of Cincinnati Libraries as an assistant librarian from 1987-1994.   She had also served as a library associate for the Illinois State Historical Library from 1983-1987.  Allen is a member of the American Library Association.  She received a bachelor’s degree from DePauw University in 1957, a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 1959, and a master’s degree in Library and Information Science from the University of Illinois in 1983.

 

The Clark State Community College Board of Trustees appoints the administrative officers, faculty and staff necessary to operate the college.

 

Teresa Berkshire, of Springfield, has served as a business agent and organizer for the Ohio and Vicinity Regional Council of Carpenters since 2000.  She had previously served as a home repair specialist for Carson Roofing from 1994-1995.   Berkshire completed an apprenticeship for the Southwest Ohio Regional Council of Carpenters in 1999.

 

The Recycling and Litter Prevention Board establishes criteria by which to certify agencies of the state, municipal corporations, counties, and townships as eligible to receive grants for recycling and litter prevention.

 

Patricia Bratton, of Lancaster, has served as the director for the Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Recycling and Litter Prevention Program since 1984.    She also serves as a member of the regional leadership team for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. She previously served on the Solid Waste District Technical Advisory Council that serves Coshocton, Fairfield, Licking, and Perry counties.  Bratton graduated from Lancaster High School in 1967.

 

Stephen Sargent, of Circleville, has served as the director of recycling operations for the Rumpke Consolidated Companies since 1989.  He had previously served as the recycling director for the PICCA Recycling Station in Circleville from 1978-1989.  Sargent is a past board member of the Ohio Association of Recyclers. He received a bachelor’s degree from Mt. Vernon Nazarene University in 1978. 

 

The Ohio Parks and Recreation Council advises the chief of the Division of Parks and Recreation on park development, formulation and implementation of park policy, planning, park acquisitions, programming, and finance. 

 

John Jaeger, of Perrysburg, has served as the director of natural resources for the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area for eight years before retiring in 2008.  He had previously served the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area as a naturalist from 1985-2000.  He has been a certified park and recreation professional since 1990.  Jaeger received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1972.  

 

The Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission provides for the development, performance, and presentation or making available of culture and professional sports and athletics to the public.

 

Joan Dearth, of Marietta, is a dance instructor, choreographer and a member of the Marietta community theatre.  She had previously served as the president of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

Barbara S. Robinson, of Cleveland has served as the chairperson of Arts Midwest since 1996. She had previously served four terms as chairperson for the National Assembly of State Art Agencies. Robinson also served as the chairperson for the Ohio Arts Council for 13 years. She currently serves on the board of directors for Americans for the Arts and is an honorary trustee of the Cleveland Museum of Art. She received a bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College in 1951 and a master’s degree from Radcliffe College in 1952. 

 

 

Craig Marshall, of Dayton, currently serves as a managing partner in the Columbus office of Ernst and Young. Marshall previously served as an assistant treasurer and controller for Robbins & Myers from 1994-1998. Marshall also currently serves as a secretary for the Goodwill Easter Seals of Miami Valley and has been a member of the board of directors since 2004. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1990 and a master’s degree from Columbia University in 1995.

 

The Radiation Advisory Council advises and consults the director of the Department of Health concerning the radiation control program.

 

Susan Hiatt, of Mentor, has served as the director of the Ohio Citizens for Responsible Energy since 1981.  She previously served on the Citizens Advisory Council on Nuclear Power Safety from 1991-1999.  She also served as a member of the board of directors for the Ohio Low-Level Radioactive Waste Facility Development Authority. Hiatt received a bachelor’s degree from Regents College in 1987.

 

The Ohio Credit Union Council advises the superintendent of financial institutions or the deputy superintendent of credit unions on issues relating to credit unions and to hear appeals from final decisions of the superintendent or deputy superintendent regarding fields of membership.  The council is also required to advise and make recommendations to the superintendent or deputy superintendent concerning the development and proposal of rules affecting credit unions. 

 

Robin Thomas, of Bedford, has served as the president of the Taleris Credit Union since 1999.  He had previously served as the vice president of First Ohio Credit Union from 1991-1999.  Thomas is a member of the governmental affairs committee for the Ohio Credit Union Systems of Ohio.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Ashland University in 1982.

 

The Zane State College Board of Trustees sets the tuition and fees of the college, hires and fixes the compensation of the school’s employees and does all that is necessary to ensure the successful operation of the college.

 

Kathy Brantley, of Zanesville, currently serves as the chairperson for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund.  She has been a volunteer in the public and private school systems in the Zanesville community for the past 16 years.  Brantley also serves as a board member for the Muskingum County YMCA.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Bethune Cookman College in 1981 and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1983.

The Council on Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services meets quarterly to review the development of statewide plans for alcohol and other drug prevention, treatment and recovery services and to act as an advisory body to the director of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services.

Theodore Ziegler, of Akron, has served as the chief executive officer for the Ohio Multi-County Development Corporation since 2003 and as the chief executive officer for the Community Health Center in Akron since 1980.  He had previously served as the director of the Akron Drug Abuse Clinic from 1978-1980.  Ziegler received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1972.

 

The Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission advises the Attorney General on the standards and the curriculum of police schools for all level of government.

 

John Lenhart, of Shelby County, currently works in corporate security for Plastipak and manages an 800 acre family farm. Before retiring, he served five consecutive terms as the sheriff of Shelby County. He also served four years as the superintendent of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation for the Ohio Attorney General.  Lenhart served as a member and chairman of the Ohio Peace Officer Training Council from 1982-1984 and was elected to the executive board of the National Sheriffs’ Association in 1983. He graduated from the FBI National Academy at the University of Virginia and was a member of the Army-Ohio National Guard.

 

The Board of Building Standards formulates and adopts standards and regulations governing the erection, construction, repair, alteration and maintenance of all classes of buildings.

 

Gerald D. Holland, of Cuyahoga Falls, has served on the Ohio Board of Building Standards since 1984 and as the chairman since 1986. He served the City of Akron as the director of public services from 2003-2007 and as the deputy mayor for labor relations from 2000-2007. Before that, he served as vice president of the 8^th District for the International Association of Professional Firefighters from 1988-2000. He graduated from Field High School in 1963.

 

The Motor Vehicles Dealers Board implements and enforces rules and regulations necessary to conduct hearings on the issuance, suspension or revocation of motor vehicle dealer licenses.  Additionally, the board hears appeals on refusal to issue licenses for dealers and/or salesmen.

 

Brian Morris, of Bexley, has served as the owner and operator of Morris Communications since 1989.  He previously served as the communications director the West Virginia Attorney General and as the assistant communications director for the Ohio Secretary of State.  Morris received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and a master’s degree from The Ohio State University.

Columbus, OH-Governor Ted Strickland and Lt. Governor Lee Fisher today joined members of Ohio’s business and economic development communities and Ohio General Assembly to announce that the State of Ohio has been awarded Site Selection magazine’s Governor’s Cup Award for leading the nation in new and expanded facilities in 2008. The March edition of the magazine will highlight the award and Ohio’s economic accomplishments, which include 12 cities around the state with top 10 rankings.

“This award serves as an important reminder that our commitment to phasing in comprehensive tax reforms, while investing in sustainable sectors of the economy, is positioning Ohio for recovery and long-term economic growth,” Strickland said.  “But we will not rest for a moment in the midst of this national recession.  Our budget continues to prioritize investments in education, health care and job-creating tax relief to encourage capital investment and grow Ohio’s economy.”

 

“The combination of a meaningful, targeted investment strategy, when coupled with our state’s comprehensive tax reform, is leading companies to discover just how beneficial a capital investment in Ohio can be,” said Lt. Governor Fisher. “Ohio’s strengths in innovation and manufacturing excellence render a diverse economic portfolio that is attractive from a broad span of business perspectives.”

 

This year marks the seventh time Ohio has been awarded the Governor’s Cup, receiving the award in 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003, 2006, and 2007. The occasion marks the third win in a row for Ohio and the state’s fourth in six years.

“Businesses continue to discover the benefits of investing in Ohio,” said Mark Barbash, interim director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Site Selection’s award of the Governor’s Cup to Ohio for the third consecutive year designates our state as the preferred location for capital investment, where companies find a state of perfect balance between business pursuits and quality of life.”

 

Governor Strickland attributes Ohio’s third consecutive Governor’s Cup win to the state’s manufacturing strengths, logistics capabilities, skilled workforce, and our competitive business environment.

 

"This award is an important reminder that even during challenging times, we can and must find ways to attract business and create jobs,” said Ohio House Speaker Armond Budish. “Let us use this momentum to continue building and growing Ohio's economy with innovation and creative solutions."

 

The City of Dayton played an outstanding role this year, ranking number one in the category for mid-sized metropolitan areas with populations between 200,000 and one million.

“We are proud to be recognized for our role in helping Ohio earn the Governor’s Cup award for successful economic development expansion activities over the past year,” Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin said. “Despite challenging economic conditions, this award illustrates that Dayton and the surrounding region is making steady progress in our efforts to stimulate economic growth. Local efforts to turn formerly vacant brownfield sites into exciting new development opportunities, like Tech Town, are clearly being recognized by industry analysts who monitor these new trends.”

Conway Data, Site Selection’s publisher, has since 1978 annually recognized the state with the most new and expanded corporate facilities as tracked by its New Plant database. The New Plant database focuses on new corporate location projects that meet at least one of three criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least $1 million, (b) create at least 50 new jobs or (c) add at least 20,000 sq. ft. of new floor area.

“As with Ohio’s previous Governor’s Cup wins, the 2008 award demonstrates that companies will invest in those industrial states that are taking the steps needed to be competitive, especially in today’s economic context,” says Mark Arend, editor in chief of Site Selection. “It is not enough to say your state is ‘pro-business.’ Site selectors are looking for specific measures to be in place, and Ohio is delivering.” 

"I am pleased that Ohio has gained more national recognition for our commitment to creating jobs and cultivating economic development to improve the lives of all Ohioans,” said Ohio Senate Minority Leader Capri Cafaro. “I hope this award is a building block toward our goal of a brighter and more prosperous future for every corner of the state."

The magazine’s yearly analyses are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as “the industry scoreboard.” Ohio won the award with 503 projects; Texas placed second with 497 projects, followed by Michigan (296), Pennsylvania (290) and North Carolina (245). More Ohio cities ranked in the top 10 metropolitan and micropolitan categories for new and expanded corporate facilities than any other state in the nation. 

 

Dayton, Akron and Toledo swept the top three spots ahead of all other mid-sized metropolitan areas with a population between 200,000 and one million, with Youngstown tied for 7^th. Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland ranked 4^th, 8^th and 9^th respectively among metropolitan areas with populations of over one million. Wooster, Ashtabula and Wapakoneta ranked 6^th, 7^th, and 9^th respectively among micropolitan cities of 10,000 to 50,000 in population.

 

We congratulate all of these cities on their recognition, indicating the diligent efforts of their elected officials, economic development professionals, and private sector leaders as they worked together to retain and attract capital investment in our state. 

 

Additional information about the Governor’s Cup is available at the Site Selection magazine Web site.

Columbus, Ohio – The Governor’s Office announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation has revised the deadline for state departments of transportation to submit a list of priority transportation projects to March 31, 2009.

 

The previously announced guidance (February 2009) had required state departments of transportation to submit data to the federal government on projects to be funded completely or partially with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds by March 17, 2009. 

 

The revised guidance, issued Friday, has moved the date for priority project submittal to March 31, 2009.

 

This deadline applies to the distribution of specific transportation infrastructure project funds, which the Ohio Department of Transportation currently estimates will total approximately $774 million. 

 

The ability to submit expressions of interest through Ohio’s Recovery Act Web site, www.recovery.ohio.gov, for transportation infrastructure projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration through an existing transportation funding formula ended on March 3. 

Columbus, Ohio – The State University Education Deans today announced their support for Governor Ted Strickland’s education reform and funding plan.

 

The State University Education Deans (SUED) represent the deans of the colleges of education from Ohio’s public institutions of higher education and meet once a month during the academic year.

 

“I am grateful for the support of the education deans from Ohio’s colleges and universities,” Strickland said. “I look forward to working with them to ensure that Ohio’s future teachers are prepared to lead students to success in their classrooms.”

 

“I give great credit to Ohio's education deans for embracing the transformational change put forth by Governor Strickland's education plan,” said Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut. “I look forward to working with the Ohio Department of Education and education deans across the state to implement the Governor's plan.”

 

The full letter of support from the State University Education Deans is below:

The State University Education Deans (SUED) are committed to excellence, accountability and collaborative partnerships that will ensure the best educational system for Ohio citizens. We strongly support the Governor’s plan to develop a 21^st century system of education to guarantee the success of all students. We are committed to and support the following principles:

·          We believe educator preparation must facilitate the development of knowledge and skills that lead to student-centered learning.

·          We support the Governor’s proposal for change in the relationship and the realignment of responsibilities between the Chancellor and the State Superintendent that would result in a seamless P-16 educational system in Ohio.

·          We believe high quality standards and measures of accountability must guide the development of all professionals who educate Ohio’s children.

·          We support the development of a continuum of initial preparation, induction and mentoring of educators to meet performance based metrics.

·          We believe that the success of future and practicing educators is a shared responsibility between institutions of higher education and our P-12 school, community and corporate partners.

·          We support the development of a residency program for educators in which educational theory and classroom practice are tightly woven together to meet the differentiated needs of teachers as they enter the profession through traditional and alternative pathways.

·          We support the development of rigorous metrics to evaluate all educator preparation programs, including evidence-based, alternative pathways.

·          We support innovative curricular change as it relates to enhancing learning and when it is consistent with the criteria for institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.

We look forward to working closely with the Chancellor and State Superintendent in a strong partnership for the innovative change necessary to prepare Ohio citizens for the 21^st century.

Columbus, Ohio – Several Ohio professional sports teams have announced their support for restoring passenger rail in Ohio, as outlined in the state biennial transportation budget.

 

The Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus Crew, Cincinnati Bengals, Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Clippers have announced that they are on board with the plan for start-up rail service in the 3-C Corridor (Columbus, Cleveland, Dayton and Cincinnati).

 

“Our sports teams bring tremendous energy to our cities and attract people from across Ohio and outside the state for games and other activities that contribute to our economic vitality,” said Governor Ted Strickland. “In addition to important job-creating benefits, passenger rail will also provide more Ohioans with a practical and safe transportation alternative to enjoy Ohio’s world-class professional athletics.”

 

Several local officials have voiced their support for the passenger rail plan outlined in the transportation budget.

 

An updated list is below:

 

Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson

Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman
Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin

Lima Mayor David Berger

Mansfield Mayor Don Culliver*

Mansfield City Council*

Springfield Mayor Warren Copeland

Cincinnati City Council

Cleveland City Council
Columbus City Council President Michael Mentel

Delaware City Council

Delaware Mayor Windell Wheeler

And the commissioners of Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton and Montgomery counties

 

*Denotes new supporters

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio 8 Coalition, an alliance of superintendents and teacher union presidents from Ohio’s eight big-city school districts, announced support for Governor Ted Strickland’s education reform and funding plan.

 

“While we have made significant strides over the past several years, the progress was within an antiquated system that frequently constrained our abilities. If we are to speed up the pace of progress, a fresh approach is needed that will propel our students and communities into the 21st century,” the Ohio 8 Coalition said in a letter of support.  “Your plan is bold, comprehensive, systemic and innovative. We applaud your commitment to student-focused reform and the principles of Academic Reform, Funding Reform and Accountability.”

 

Governor Strickland’s comprehensive plan to establish a modernized education system is designed to ensure every Ohio child learns the skills they need to be successful in the 21st century economy.  The plan has been endorsed by the Ohio Business Roundtable and the State University Education Deans (SUED).

 

“I am grateful for the Ohio 8 Coalition’s support,” Strickland said.  “I will continue to rely on the experienced guidance of the coalition members as we work to reform our schools to meet the needs of every Ohio child.”

 

The full letter of support from the Ohio 8 Coalition is attached and pasted below:

Dear Governor Strickland,

 

The Ohio 8 Coalition is a strategic alliance of the superintendents and teacher union presidents from Ohio’s eight big-city school districts. We represent more than 220,000 students, many of whom face extraordinary challenges in realizing the fruits of a solid education. Since our establishment in 2001, the Ohio 8 has brought a shared labor/management perspective to improving student achievement, closing achievement gaps and increasing graduation rates.

 

We have made significant gains in our school districts. Indeed, graduation rates in the Ohio 8 districts have improved by nearly 19 percentage points since 2000, compared with a statewide gain of just 6 percentage points. Our collective gain on Ohio’s Performance Index – a calculation that measures performance on all state indicator tests – exceeds the statewide average gain.

 

While we have made significant strides over the past several years, the progress was within an antiquated system that frequently constrained our abilities. If we are to speed up the pace of progress, a fresh approach is needed that will propel our students and communities into the 21st century. That fresh approach, we believe, is evident in your recently released Education Reform Plan and the accompanying Executive Budget.

 

Your plan is bold, comprehensive, systemic and innovative. We applaud your commitment to student-focused reform and the principles of Academic Reform, Funding Reform and Accountability. We concur that the central elements of success will be those identified by the plan, namely: 21st century learning environments, expanded learning opportunities, high-quality educators, resource accountability, global benchmarking of student performance, and effective funding. Many of the initiatives envisioned by your plan are aligned with those identified by teachers and administrators throughout the Ohio 8.

 

Certainly, the Ohio 8 may suggest ways to strengthen the plan or alter the various timeframes or components you have suggested, and our individual districts may advocate for changes that are important to their unique circumstances.

 

Even though we may disagree with specific steps along the way, we do agree with you that this is the path that has the most promise for improving the lives of our children, the livability of our cities, the competitiveness of our state and the quality of our profession. We look forward to working with you, the General Assembly, the Department of Education, business and labor communities and other education stakeholders as the plan proceeds through the legislative and rulemaking processes.

 

A shared labor/management voice is imperative to providing the type of high-quality education our communities demand. We believe collaboration between labor and

management at the district level, among our districts, and between the state and local authorities will generate the kind of education reform that is enduring and dynamic.

 

Thank you for your leadership in outlining a promising educational future for our state.

 

Sincerely,

 

David James, Superintendent

Akron Public Schools

 

William Siegferth, President

Akron Education Association

 

Michele Evans-Gardell, Superintendent

Canton City Schools

 

Pam Jackson, President

Canton Professional Educators Association

 

Mary Ronan, Interim Superintendent

Cincinnati Public Schools

 

Tim Kraus, President

Cincinnati Federation of Teachers

 

Eugene T.W. Sanders, CEO

Cleveland Metropolitan School District

 

David Quolke, President

Cleveland Teachers Union

 

Gene T. Harris, Superintendent

Columbus City Schools

 

Rhonda Johnson, President

Columbus Education Association

 

Kurt T. Stanic, Superintendent

Dayton Public Schools

 

Patricia Lynch, President

Dayton Education Association

 

John Foley, Superintendent

Toledo Public Schools

 

Francine Lawrence, President

Toledo Federation of Teachers

 

Wendy Webb, Superintendent

Youngstown City Schools

 

William Bagnola, President

Youngstown Education Association

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that 149 transportation infrastructure projects have been prioritized for full or partial funding from American Recovery and Reinvestment Act resources.

 

“We have identified projects that will put thousands of Ohioans to work quickly,” Strickland said.  “But to make the best use of these resources, we must also leverage them to create tomorrow’s opportunities.  In addition to distributing the federal transportation stimulus resources broadly to provide Ohioans in every region with an opportunity to participate in the economic recovery, we are also targeting funds to develop unique regional economic assets.  Doing so will strengthen the state’s infrastructure system while also bolstering each region’s economic vitality in immeasurable ways.”

 

Federal transportation stimulus funds totaling $774 million will be spent in nearly every Ohio county. Based on federal calculations for transportation investment, an estimated 21,257 jobs will be created or retained through these stimulus projects, with thousands of additional jobs likely to be spurred by the economic development that will occur as a result of the projects.

 

When combined with Recovery Act funds allocated under Ohio’s Rural Transit Program, stimulus investments will be made in 87 of Ohio’s 88 counties. (Noble County, the remaining county, did not submit a federally-eligible transportation stimulus project; however the state will be investing more than $9.7 million in non-stimulus transportation funds over the next year.)

 

“Without the leadership of President Obama and the members of Ohio’s Congressional Delegation who supported this bill, we would not have this unprecedented opportunity to invest in Ohio’s infrastructure” Strickland said.

 

A full list of priority transportation projects and other information about the state’s transportation infrastructure investments can be viewed HERE. 

 

Recovery Act (stimulus) Transportation Infrastructure Project Investments

 

In addition to selecting projects which met standard federal transportation requirements and Recovery Act guidelines, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), the Ohio Rail Development Commission and the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) collaborated to prioritize many of the 149 projects that meet both the critical infrastructure needs of each region and promote lasting economic growth.

 

“The Recovery Act resources have put Ohio in a unique position to seize new opportunities and build toward a stronger, more cohesive transportation system in the future,” Strickland said.  “Consistent with the 21^st Century Transportation Priorities Task Force recommendations, these projects will move Ohio toward a more multi-modal system of transportation that links Ohio’s businesses, highways, railways, transit and ports into an advanced and efficient network for moving goods and people,” Strickland said.

 

As part of the state’s $774 million stimulus investment, ODOT will invest $603.5 million into 113 separate roadway projects.  Of those 113 projects, $242.9 million is dedicated to 30 bridge projects, and $360.6 million to 83 pavement projects.

 

ODOT will invest $34.5 million into five maritime projects, including major enhancement projects at the Port of Toledo and the City of Lorain’s waterfront development along Lake Erie, and along the Ohio River at the South Point Intermodal Facility in Lawrence County, and the Wellsville Intermodal Facility in Columbiana County.

 

An additional $68.9 million will be directed to 22 separate railroad projects, mostly targeting the state’s busy freight rail system.

 

The state will invest $50.9 million to support improved intermodal connections, including $14 million at Franklin County’s Rickenbacker Intermodal Terminal and Global Logistics Park, and $6.5 million at Toledo’s Airline Junction Intermodal Terminal to connect freight shipments by air, rail, and truck.

 

The remaining funds (approximately $16.2 million) will be directed to additional planning and engineering, as needed.

 

Among the highlights of these investments:

 

In the City of Cleveland, ODOT is addressing the state’s most-pressing transportation concern by targeting $200 million in stimulus funds, combined with approximately $200 million in additional state and federal dollars, to build a new five-lane westbound I-90 Innerbelt Bridge. At the same time, the state will invest $20 million to advance the planning and design of the Opportunity Corridor, a proposed 3.3-mile urban roadway to connect I-490 to the growing University Circle.

 

In Cincinnati, the state will invest a total of $23.5 million in stimulus funds to assist in development of the Riverfront Banks Project and the nearby Intermodal Transit Center. In Columbus, $25 million will widen and improve Parsons and Livingston Avenues as part of the expansion of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, one the country’s best pediatric health care hospitals.

 

And in Southeast Ohio, ODOT will expedite construction on the final two phases of the three-phased Nelsonville Bypass by investing $150 million in stimulus funds.  Phase one of this new four-lane roadway carrying U.S. Route 33 between the cities of Nelsonville and Logan began last year. Under previous planning, these final two phases were not scheduled to begin until after 2012.

 

Other notable projects include: $11 million for the Vine Street railroad grade separation project in Lima to prevent trains from blocking access to the city’s south side; $8 million dedicated to improvements in Akron along the Main Street Corridor and the new Bridgestone Tech Center; a $6 million intersection close to the I-75/Austin Pike Interchange near Dayton and improvements to the Downtown Dayton Gateway.

 

Additional highlights of Ohio’s transportation infrastructure stimulus investments are available HERE. 

 

The full list of prioritized projects is available HERE.

 

As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Ohio will also receive $29.8 million for Rural Public Transit capital projects, including dollars set aside for rural intercity bus capital projects. Combining the Recovery Act dollars with Ohio's annual federal transit funding, ODOT will be able to fund every rural transit system request for new vehicles.

 

Recovery Act dollars will also fund critical facility, equipment, and technology needs, allowing Rural Public Transit systems to upgrade from the use of paper and pencil to schedule vehicles and allow the agencies to be more agile and responsive in providing services to Ohioans who rely upon them every day.

 

Last year, Ohio’s 35 Rural Public Transit providers offered more than 2.3 million rides to Ohioans in 36 rural counties. In rural areas, where distances are long to reach essential services, the people who use the system tend to be more transit dependent. They may be unable to drive a car, have no access to a car or cannot afford to operate the car they own. In 2007, over 45% of all riders on Rural Public Transit in Ohio were either elderly or people with disabilities. At some transit systems in Ohio this can be as high as 80%.

 

A full list of Rural Public Transit investments is available HERE.

 

“Investing Recovery Act resources to expand our state’s robust multimodal network enhances Ohio’s strengths in accommodating for a diversity of business interests,” said Mark Barbash, Interim Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “Meaningful, targeted investments in infrastructure and transportation spur both near-term and sustainable economic growth, rendering in our state an interconnected network of unique assets that link Ohio businesses and people.”

 

 

ODOT Planned Construction/Capital (non-federal stimulus) Investments

 

These stimulus projects will add to the more than $2.1 billion in capital/construction projects ODOT already has planned to undertake over the next 15 months (through state fiscal year 2010). That includes nearly $1.6 billion in investments through the end of this calendar year, encompassing more than 650 transportation projects in each of the state’s 88 counties.

 

Many of these non-stimulus projects will soon begin construction, as part of the department’s annual maintenance and modernization efforts identified in the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). This includes 36 interstate projects and 125 bridge projects on the state’s highway system. The ceremonial start to ODOT’s 2009 Construction Season is set for April 7th, although a number of construction projects are already active.

 

“These projects speak to the important transportation needs of our communities, while creating jobs and positioning Ohio for long-term economic growth and stability,” said Ohio Transportation Director Jolene Molitoris.

 

Combined, the stimulus resources and the Department of Transportation’s planned state construction spending will total more than $2.8 billion.  Together, those investments will create or retain an estimated 79,637 jobs based on federal calculations for transportation investment.

 

 

Prioritization Process and Federal Requirements

 

Through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the federal government allocated approximately $935.7 million to Ohio through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for transportation projects. Of that amount, $161.5 million was directly sub-allocated, based on federal formula, to Ohio’s major metropolitan planning organizations (Akron, Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Toledo, and Youngstown).

 

To identify projects to be funded with the remaining $774.1 million, the state established the www.recovery.ohio.gov website, which allowed Ohio communities, municipalities, businesses and other entities to submit transportation project proposals. More than 4,600 highway, transit, rail and aviation project expressions of interest were submitted through the Web site.

 

Mirroring a similar team at the US Department of Transportation, ODOT established an Ohio TIGER Team (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) to gather in-depth information from local communities on potential projects. After accepting expressions of interest from February 10 through March 3, the ODOT TIGER Team requested additional information from project sponsors on all 4,602 projects. Of that amount, 3,257 funding applications were returned.

 

The ODOT TIGER Team then reviewed those applications to determine federal eligibility and readiness to proceed with the project. Only 2,222 projects met the FHWA Title 23 federal eligibility guidelines set forth in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

In addition, prioritization was based on criteria established by the FHWA for consideration during project selection: that priority be given to projects in economically distressed areas (characterized by high unemployment and low average income); projects that maximize job creation and economic growth; and projects which could be advanced and completed within certain timeframes.

 

Under the Recovery Act, 50 percent of the state’s transportation stimulus funds must be obligated and assigned to specific projects by June 29, 2009; the remaining amount must be obligated and assigned to specific projects by March 1, 2010; and the majority of all projects must be constructed by March 1, 2012.

 

To assist in determining job creation potential, the state used a standard Federal Highway Administration calculation - which estimates that for every $1 billion in transportation investment, 27,800 jobs are created - on every project, no matter its location in the state. Using this standard, it is estimated that these stimulus investments alone will generate 21,257 jobs as a result of project construction. Additionally, the Ohio Department of Development predicts thousands of new jobs will be spurred by the economic development that occurs as a result of the projects.

 

 

Next Steps

 

The stimulus-funded projects which are not already on the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) will be added, after the federally-required public involvement process and approval by regional Metropolitan Planning Organizations, where needed. ODOT will begin accepting public comment on stimulus projects not already on the STIP.

 

Governor Strickland stressed the importance of ensuring accountability and transparency in the subsequent contracting of projects funded through the Recovery Act.  And he reiterated his support for the establishment of a new, independent, non-partisan deputy inspector general position with authority to monitor distribution of federal recovery resources in Ohio to ensure taxpayers have full confidence in the stimulus process.

 

“As we put these Recovery Act resources to work quickly and efficiently, we must continue our commitment to taxpayer accountability,” Strickland said.  “Every project selected for funding will be identified online.  Every contract will be selected in a fair and transparent manner and subject to careful scrutiny.  And we will require recipients of stimulus resources to account for how every dollar is spent.”

 

The governor also recognized the importance of providing all Ohioans with access to opportunities to participate in the recovery.

 

“We will follow the letter and the spirit of the law in providing all Ohioans with the broadest possible access to the opportunities that these resources provide,” Strickland said.

 

The State of Ohio will require recipients of Recovery Act resources to post any new job opportunities at both www.OhioMeansJobs.com and Ohio’s “One-Stop” sites.  At least one site is located in every Ohio county.  One-Stops provide a variety of training services and match job seekers with employment opportunities.

 

 

Other Transportation-related Recovery Act Resources Not Distributed by the State:

 

Metropolitan Planning Organizations

 

Other transportation-related Recovery Act resources have been directly allocated to local communities. Specifically, a total of $161.5 million has been directly allocated to local Metropolitan Planning Organizations. 

 

In the coming weeks, ODOT will be working with the Ohio’s eight major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) to certify their lists of proposed stimulus investments, to support additional transportation investments and economic growth throughout Ohio. The MPO sub-allocations include $14.1 million to Akron, $6.6 million to Canton, $30.1 million to Cincinnati, $44.2 million to Cleveland, $28 million to Columbus, $17.4 million to Dayton, $11.8 million to Toledo, and $9.3 million to Youngstown. The boards of many of these MPOs have already approved local stimulus project lists.

 

 

Urban Transit Grants

 

Ohio will be receiving approximately $150 million in stimulus funds through the Federal Transit Administration specifically directed toward urban public transit.

 

Ohio’s 24 Urban Public Transit systems provide access to jobs, reduce traffic congestion, give individual mobility choices and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases.  In Ohio, over 60% of all trips on urban public transit are work-related. Overall, transit ridership in Ohio was up 4% in 2008 over 2007 figures.

 

With more than 30% of its fleet beyond useful life, Ohio's Urban Public Transit systems will be able to use the $150 million recovery funds directly allocated to the transit agencies to purchase new vehicles which emit fewer pollutants and reduce operating costs. By directing stimulus funds to capital purchases, local transit dollars can also be redirected at covering operating costs (which cannot

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today released the following statement regarding the inspector general’s report on the use of promotional lottery tickets by the Ohio Lottery Commission and Executive Director Michael Dolan:

 

“I have expressed to Director Dolan my disappointment in the lack of good judgment exhibited in this instance.  I have directed the immediate suspension of distribution of all lottery tickets for marketing or promotional reasons until appropriate new policies and procedures can be implemented.

 

“In particular, I have instructed Director Dolan to eliminate all distribution of ‘live’ lottery tickets as part of lottery marketing efforts, and to suspend the distribution of all promotional tickets until he provides a report demonstrating :  (1) that the distribution of promotional tickets is an effective marketing strategy for the lottery; and (2) that he has developed new procedures for the distribution of promotional tickets, incorporating the Inspector General’s recommendation and containing adequate controls to better guard against the misuse of such tickets.”

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