The state controlling board

COLUMBUS — The state controlling board has approved the release of funding for two projects in Ohio’s 96th district, state Rep. Ron Ferguson, R-Wintersville, announced.

The funding has been allocated via the NatureWorks Project which was established in 1993.

In Jefferson County, $39,000 has been allocated for Jim Wood Park in Steubenville to seal a walking track and renovate a baseball field.

In Belmont County, $18,750 will go toward Fodor Park in Martins Ferry to receive lighting improvements on the baseball fields and basketball court.

Since its inception, the program has funded more than 2,300 projects throughout Ohio’s 88 counties.

“I am thrilled to see both Belmont and Jefferson County receive funds to help improve the parks for our citizens to enjoy,” said Ferguson.

The NatureWorks grant program provides up to 75 percent reimbursement assistance for local government subdivisions (townships, villages, cities, counties, park districts, joint recreation districts and conservancy districts) for the acquisition, development, and rehabilitation of recreational areas.