State would support BGSU water quality research, nursing & robots, as well as police communications tower, Cocoon, & Black Swamp Players
Bowling Green State University would receive $16 million to build an Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Innovation Center from the proposed state capital budget. The building would replace the 48-year-old Technology Building.
The university had planned to renovate the existing building, and had received $16.7 million toward the project. However, university officials realized in the planning stages that the project was untenable, and that a new building was needed. The university will use $4 million from that funding in addition to the new funding for the construction.
The state capital budget, which was introduced today (Dec. 15), also includes money for water quality research and the robotics and nursing at Bowling Green State University as well as money to support the Cocoon and help the Black Swamp Players buy and renovate their new home.
According to a press release from State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, the capital budget was attached an amendment to Senate Bill 310, which concerns distribution of local COVID-19 funding for local governments.
According to the press release local funds include:
- $1 million for Bowling Green State University to be used for a new water quality research facility in Sandusky Bay which will be utilized by the state and Bowling Green State University as part of efforts to preserve the health and vitality of Ohio’s water supplies.
- $300,000 for Bowling Green State University with $250,000 for a robotics research and training facility and $50,000 for the nursing program to acquire new equipment for training stations and a new simulation lab.
- $500,000 to construct an additional MARCS Tower on public property, increasing portable radio coverage used by first responders and public safety providers within Bowling Green and additional surrounding areas.
- $200,000 for the Oak Street Theater to be used for architectural, electrical, plumbing/sewage, and other renovations.
- $200,000 for the Cocoon Shelter, which serves victims of domestic violence by providing counseling, support and residential living space.
University researchers have been heavily involved in addressing the water quality of Lake Erie. The university is home to the Great Lakes Center for Fresh Waters and Human Health.
Also, BGSU has been expanding its offerings in health science, including nursing. The Board of Trustees approve a new Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree last week. The annex of what formerly was the College of Business is being converted into nursing labs.
The Black Swamp Players are in the middle of a campaign to complete the purchase and the renovation of a former church and day care center at 115 Oak Street in Bowling Green. The venue will serve as the troupe’s home. The Players, who were founded 52 years ago, have never had a stage to call their own, and instead have worked in various spaces around town, most recently the church hall at the First United Methodist Church.
Heath Diehl, president of the Players’ board, said he’d learned that Gavarone was planning on supporting their request, and that he is “delighted to learn that that initiative is going forward.”
Support from elected officials, he continued, is “absolutely crucial to the long-term success and vitality of our organization.”
The money “will ensure that our organization is able to make the improvements to the building that will allow our patrons to have a safe and enjoyable experience with the Players for many, many years to come,” Diehl said.
It serves as validation for the troupe’s commitment to promoting the arts within the community.
The troupe reached an agreement to purchase the building for $175,000 last year. The building also needs extensive renovations, including handicapped accessible rest rooms.
In a statement included in the press release, Gavarone said: “Although we have faced serious challenges this year, sound fiscal management of the state’s finances have put us in a position to continue with this bill. It creates tens of thousands of jobs and helps grow our economy. These capital investments are an opportunity for communities to strengthen existing infrastructure and invest in vital projects that ultimately make our region a better place to live and work.”
The legislature is expected to act on the legislation this week.
The budget calls for statewide spending of:
- $305 million will be invested in local school construction, including repairs, renovations and maintenance for primary and secondary facilities. This is in addition to the $300 million already approved this year by the General Assembly in Senate Bill 4.
- $452 million will be invested in projects supporting Ohio’s 37 public colleges and universities.
- A substantial portion of capital spending goes to local roads, bridges, water-supply systems, storm sewers and wastewater systems, and $280 million will be directed to local infrastructure projects through the Public Works Commission. This is in addition to the $255 million for the Public Works Commission already approved by the General Assembly in Senate Bill 4.
- $253 million for the maintenance and preservation of Ohio’s dams, parks, trails, waterways and wildlife.
- $62.5 million to support the Clean Ohio program which funds preservation of green space, farmland, open spaces and expanded recreational opportunities.
- $18 million to improve the security and efficiency of public agency websites and the MARCS first responder communications system.
The budget can be viewed here.
(This story will be updated.)
