State Board Approves Over $5 Million for Local Park Projects

COLUMBUS – The State Controlling Board today approved an Ohio Department of Natural Resources request for $5,282,444 for Local Park Projects statewide. State Representative Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) applauded the state’s funding for much-need projects. 

“The funding coming to Guernsey County and Muskingum County will go towards enhancing our local parks and will encourage these communities to stay active and involved,” said Holmes. “I appreciate the work of everyone who submitted requests, and the State Controlling Board’s action today on these projects.”

The board approved three projects in Guernsey County for a total of $29,962 in state-funding for the area. The projects include purchasing a new swing set in Byesville Village Park, purchasing mulch for Cumberland Village Park and constructing a half-court basketball court in Piedmont Lake Marina campground.

Also approved today by the board was the construction of a walking trail and dog park in South Zanesville Village Park for $ 42,301 in Muskingum County.

The funding comes from a NatureWorks grant program that was established through H.B. 790 in the 120th General Assembly. This year, local governments in 79 Ohio counties submitted a total of 210 applications requesting a total of $11,662,208 in grant funding. All were thoroughly evaluated, and 115 projects were selected and awarded a total of $5,282,444.