Rep. Galonski Announces Over $1.4 million to Support Campus Safety and Facility Improvements at University of Akron

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Tavia Galonski (D-Akron) today announced that the state Controlling Board has approved over $1.4 million in funds for the University of Akron to improve safety at campus sporting events and continue repairing campus facilities to ensure long-term function.

“I am pleased to see that the Controlling Board has approved two funding items to support the University of Akron and improve the safety and functionality of campus facilities. The university’s purchase of metal detectors will help to make sporting events safer and less stressful for students, athletes, and attendees alike. Moreover, the funds allocated to support ongoing infrastructure improvements will ensure that outdated water supply and return lines are repaired so they can continue to serve campus operations for years to come,” said Rep. Galonski.

Additionally, the Controlling Board approved $2.9 million to support BroadbandOhio’s community outreach, compliance and implementation for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program which was established under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). These funds will be used to expand broadband access to communities throughout the state.

Other approved Controlling Board items include:

• $6.1 million in ARPA funds to contract with firms in support of the Appalachian Community Grant Program.
• $21.8 million to provide comprehensive tutoring programs to students aligning to Ohio’s learning standards.
• $7.5 million in Federal Coronavirus School Relief dollars to provide math support for students in grades K-8.