LIMA — Ohio’s newly proposed, $2.6 billion capital budget bill has earmarked just more than $12 million for projects in Allen County, the largest portion going to either renovate the existing Juvenile Detention Center or construct a new one.
This budget, which would be in effect for fiscal years 2017 and 2018, includes $3.6 million for the 45-year-old center, the amount needed to fund 60 percent of a new building, a total cost estimated at $5.6 million. County Commissioner Cory Noonan said the final decision of either renovation or construction will not be made until a countywide capital assessment is completed.
“A previous study on that facility helped facilitate our countywide study,” he said. “Our goal is to do something with that facility, be it renovate it or go in a different direction with the entities in there. We know we have a lot of facilities and there is a lot of potential, but let’s first understand what the best course of action is.”
Noonan credits a strong relationship with state legislators for helping secure this funding.
“It’s very exciting,” he said. “It’s been a very strong collaborative effort locally and with our friends down in Columbus,” he said.
Other allocations in Allen County include $2.4 million through the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for building renovation as well as several allocations to Rhodes State college for information technology infrastructure, boiler replacement, renovations at Reed Hall and parking resurfacing. The Allen County Museum is also in line for $100,000 and the Ohio Energy and Advanced Manufacturing Center would receive $400,000 for new equipment. The Schoonover Lake dam repair project would also receive $300,000.
“It’s a step forward,” according to state Rep. Robert Cupp, R-Lima. “Our focus is on those projects that would provide economic development for job growth, community safety or to protect or enhance our historic areas and facilities.”
Other area allocations include $1.5 million for Auglaize County, with $900,000 earmarked for the Armstrong Air and Space Museum and STEM Education Center; almost $1.1 million for Van Wert County, with projects including the Delphos Community Pool and Splash Park, the Van Wert Historical Society Museum and the Wassenberg Art Center; and Hardin County receiving $150,000 to improve lighting at Kenton’s baseball park.
