Ohio allocates over $4M for Erie County community projects

The Ohio House of Representatives set aside over $4 million to Erie County community projects from the Strategic Community Investment Fund, a one-time project fund made available due to a surplus in the State’s Capital Budget, according to a news release.

The Landing park project in Sandusky will receive $3 million, Sandusky’s Battery Park will receive $1 million, Kelley’s Island East Lakeshore Shoreline will receive $100,000 and $200,000 is allocated for infrastructure on Huron’s Riverfront, the release said.

And $700 million from the State’s General Revenue Fund (GRF) was transferred at the end of 2023 to a One-Time Strategic Community Investments Fund due to a surplus in the State’s Capital Budget, according to the release.

The Fund is to be used toward community projects across Ohio such as projects in infrastructure and many public-facing projects, the release said.

The Greater Sandusky Partnership (GSP), its members and members of the Erie County Chamber of Commerce worked closely with many elected and appointed local officials in developing the inventory of Erie/Sandusky projects ready for state investment.

Also, the Greater Sandusky Partnership leaned on state Rep. D.J. Swearingen, who serves the 89th District of Ohio representing Ottawa and Erie Counties as an advocate for these projects, according to the release.

 “Representative Swearingen’s leadership in advocating for these investments with his colleagues in Columbus is the most important step in the process and his role here is extremely appreciated by GSP and our partners,” said Eric Wobser, CEO of the Greater Sandusky Partnership said in the release.

“I hope these investments will enrich the lives of those who call the 89th district home and draw more families to our region,” said Swearingen in the release. “The initiatives also intentionally uplift our current and future workforce, ultimately making northern Ohio the best place to work, live, and raise a family.”

Receiving a total of $4 million from the state, Battery Park and The Landing, both community-facing projects in Sandusky, have been visions for the city for several years, according to the release.

The Landing park project will provide public waterfront access to the East Sandusky Bay.

The project will include two bridges, a multi-story lighthouse, fishing pier and canopy boardwalk, the release said.

“We are grateful to the Ohio House of Representatives for their significant support of projects in Sandusky,” said John Orzech, Sandusky city manager in the release. “The Landing park project has been in the planning stages for years, and this critical piece of funding will help us close the gap in making the park a reality.

“Along with Battery Park, the Landing will be a premier regional attraction that will open up more public access to our most precious natural asset — Lake Erie.

“I want to extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation to our state representative, D.J. Swearingen, whose support of Sandusky and these projects has been invaluable.”