Callender Highlights Community Projects in New Capital Budget

June 2, 2022

COLUMBUS – More than a dozen projects in Lake County, including funding for a new training center in Mentor, are part of Ohio’s new state construction budget, State Representative Jamie Callender announced today.

The two-year, $3.5 billion construction package also includes $100 million for school safety grants, as well as funding for educational, recreational and public safety projects in communities throughout the state.

“This is a really outstanding construction budget,” said Callender (R-Concord). “It supports a long list of really good projects in Lake County as well as regional and statewide priorities.”

Among the projects Callender championed was $500,000 for the Alliance Working Together

Northeast Ohio Transformation Center to help create a world-class training center and hub for education and industry sector collaboration.

Callender also fought for a number of other projects in Northeast Ohio. Those include $450,000 for the Mentor Marsh Observation Tower and $1 million to support the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame expansion.

Other local highlights include:

$400,000 to construct a 700 foot stonewall to stabilize the Lake Metroparks Lake Erie Shoreline Trail
$750,000 to build a new pediatric specialty suite at UH Perrico Health Center Rainbow Babies
$300,000 for the Chagrin River Trail to construct 2.5 new miles of trail
$100,000 to build 1.5 mile of ADA trail at Holden Arboretum All-Season Trails
$350,000 to upgrade the Auburn Career Center Public Safety Training Grounds
$50,000 to build a new walking trail and boardwalk at Madison Village Wetland Trail
$50,000 to purchase flooring, chairs, stage and HVAC upgrades for Willoughby Arts Education and Performing Arts Center
$100,000 to build a splash pad and spray park at Painesville Kiwanis Recreation Park
$200,000 to construct the Painesville Amphitheater
$50,000 to complete the Concord Township Park Restroom Facility Project
$50,000 to upgrade the Madison Village Dana's Park
$100,000 to be allocated to Plan4Health Perry Township Park Trail Improvement Plan for shoreline erosion control, new trails, improvements to soccer field, construction of parking lot, campground improvements
$350,000 to improve the Fairport Harbor Marina Boat Launch
$125,000 to build a restroom at the Kirtland Community Center

“These local construction projects along with statewide projects will improve aging infrastructure, advance educational opportunities, and bring economic development to our region,” said Callender.

Statewide highlights of the bill include:

$600 million for school building construction, renovation and repair through the state’s school facilities program
$457 million for colleges and universities
$400 million for the Public Works Commission to help communities with local road, bridge, water and sewer projects
$587 million for state parks and nature preserves
$50 million for the construction and renovation of county jails. Priority would be given to facilities with the greatest needs, as well as projects that would substantially improve the condition, safety and operational ability of the jail.

Lawmakers are expected to wrap up work on the legislation this week.