State Board Releases Significant Funding for Morgan, Muskingum, and Pickaway Counties

COLUMBUS— Today the Ohio State Controlling Board approved over $90 million for various natural resource projects in Morgan Muskingum, and Pickaway Counties.

In Morgan County, the Burr Oak Lodge and Conference Center is set to receive $12 million for infrastructure improvements to ensure everything is safe and up to code. Also in Morgan County, Jesse Owens State Park is one of several state parks receiving a sum of $47 million to update the grounds and build a new wash house.

In Muskingum County, Dillon State Park will be using their portion of an $18 million budget to renovate 17 cabins across the park. Dillon State Park will also be a part of a group receiving nearly $15 million to renovate their camp store.

In Pickaway County, the Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center was awarded $550,100 to replace the cooling tower and ensure the new one is up to code and operating safely.

“Every couple of years, we get the chance to advocate for local projects back in the district,” State Representative Brian Stewart (R- Ashville) said. “It’s an honor to be able to fight for this funding, and I am thrilled to see all these groups can do.”

The funding was allocated through House Bill 687, the state capital budget, which Stewart cosponsored and supported last year. The bill was later signed into law.

The Ohio State Controlling Board is the financial legislative oversight for capital and operating expenditures by state agencies. The next Controlling Board meeting is scheduled for Dec. 12.