Dayton Development Coalition to recommend projects for state money

The Kasich administration is enlisting the Dayton Development Coalition and seven other business groups across the state to make recommendations on which community projects deserve state funding in the upcoming capital appropriations bill.

There is no word yet on how much money will be earmarked for community projects, but it will be the first time in six years that the state has announced that it will help pay for community development projects.

Ohio Budget Director Tim Keen said the Dayton Development Coalition has been asked to cull through proposals, rank which ones may have the biggest economic impact and make recommendations to the Kasich administration.

Each project must be linked to the state in some way – such as be on a public college campus — to qualify for state bond funding, he said. Eligible projects include property purchases, demolition, construction and architectural and engineering work.

The Cincinnati Business Committee, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Columbus Partnership and Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce are among regional groups asked to participate. Communities outside the eight largest metro areas can still pitch their projects directly to the Kasich administration or work through their lawmakers, Keen said.

A separate committee of arts leaders will consider funding for arts facilities.

The Kasich administration expects the project lists delivered by mid-December for consideration.

The state capital appropriations bill for fiscal year 2015-16 will be considered early next year by the General Assembly.

About the Author