Rep. Troy Announces Over $8.1M in Funding for Lakeland College
COLUMBUS - State Rep. Daniel P. Troy (D-Willowick) today announced $8,119,182.26 in State of Ohio funds for three projects that will upgrade Lakeland Community College.
“I am proud to announce the State of Ohio’s continued commitment to Lakeland Community College’s growth and safety. With these state funds, we're investing in more than just infrastructure; we're investing in the future. We must develop a workforce to meet the labor shortages that many businesses and consumers are unfortunately experiencing. As a longtime Sheet Metal Workers Union Member, I understand that a strong workforce training program is not only beneficial to business, but also to the men and women in the trades,” said Rep. Troy.
On Monday, March 25th the Controlling Board approved Lakeland College’s three requests to release funds. The first request was $79.3Kto add four security cameras which will enhance the ability to cover blind spots and high priority areas at Lakeland. The funding will also upgrade and replace 14 existing security cameras.
The second request was in the amount of $32,479.26, which includes a change of intent of previously released funds in the amount of $22,702.74 from Fund 7034, ALI C37900 (Basic Renovations) in FY 2024. The funding will be used for the Lakeland Community College C Building Chiller Piping Project to upgrade the chiller system piping to restore service to the cooling equipment. The funds requested are the result of savings and previously unused contingency dollars. This project will upgrade the chiller system piping to the C Building fourth floor and restore service to the AHU-5 cooling equipment.
Lakeland has indicated that the current piping system is outdated and needs replacement with upgraded materials and structure. Furthermore, they added that the mechanical pipe supporting the C-building 4th floor cooling has rotted out. The fiberglass insulation around the 2-1/2-inch pipe was loose for many years. The cold water sweating off the pipe caused the pipes to rust from the outside to inside. The pipes must be replaced, they cannot be repaired. Without this work, the C-building 4th floor will not have air conditioning for summer classes.
The final request is $8,007,403 for Lakeland’s Engineering Building Renovation Project. The money will primarily renovate, and slightly expand, select industrial labs and classrooms that are used by the engineering and manufacturing programs. Lakeland Community College has asserted that they are in complete compliance with the Ohio Revised Code in following its procurement of construction awards.
“Students, faculty, and staff at Lakeland deserve a safe, comfortable learning environment. Through these upgraded security cameras to ensuring the continuous comfort of air conditioning when needed, and this significant renovation and expansion of the engineering building, I'm glad and most supportive of the State of Ohio helping to create an environment where Lakeland students can thrive, innovate, and improve the economic future for all of our area citizens," said Rep. Troy.