Local projects included in Capital Budget

VW independent/submitted information

COLUMBUS — Several area capital projects have been announced as part of the state’s biennial Capital Budget, which was introduced this week.

State Representative Craig Riedel (R-Defiance) and State Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) noted the budget includes several local projects among the $2.6 billion earmarked statewide for infrastructure projects.

A total of $610,000 in Van Wert County infrastructure projects is under consideration as part of the Capital Budget. Project proposals include $50,000 for improvements at Jubilee Park in Van Wert, $25,000 for renovations at the Delphos Swimming Pool, $150,000 for improvements at Middle Point Ballpark, $75,000 for updates to the Smiley Park ballfields, $22,000 for an extension of the Ohio City Warrior Trail, $13,000 for Van Wert County Park District trail improvements, $50,000 for improvements at the Van Wert Rotary Athletic Complex on John Brown Road, $25,000 for a Miami Erie Canal towpath trail in the Delphos area, and $200,000 for improvements at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center of Northwest Ohio.

“The capital budget is a great opportunity for our state to invest directly in the local communities, improving the quality of life of those in the region,” said McColley. “The projects funded in northwest Ohio will provide a unique recreational, educational, and economic impact in our local communities. I commend the local officials and constituents of the area for their vision and dedication to make this funding possible.”

“Providing additional funds for local community projects is a way to improve quality of life in our state,” Riedel added. “Our hope is that, by funding these projects, more people will look at northwest Ohio as a great place to live.”