Bill seeks $22M for Butler County projects
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Tuesday, May 20, 2008
HAMILTON — State lawmakers are set to vote on a bill later this week that includes more than $22.5 million in capital projects in Butler County.
This is part of roughly $120 million in projects introduced into the Ohio House Monday, May 19.
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About $21.4 million of the funds are slated for improvements to Miami University, including renovations to the school's Hamilton and Middletown campuses.
The proposed appropriations include $686,759 for basic renovations at MUH, and $588,815 for the same at MUM.
The funding will also help pay for rehab and design work of three academic halls on Miami's main campus: Laws Hall, $6.2 million; Upham Hall North Wing, $3.6 million; and Hughes Hall "C" Wing, $700,000. The remaining $8 million is slated for basic renovations and academic/administrative and general improvement projects on the main campus.
"We think all the projects listed there are very viable and good projects for the community, and we think they should be funded," said Rep. Bill Coley, R-Liberty Twp.
Coley hopes to bring $850,000 in park projects home to his district, including $500,000 for improvements to the Voice of America Park museum and $250,000 for Beckett Park improvements in West Chester Twp..
In Hamilton, the RiversEdge project is set to receive a $200,000 boost for an amphitheater and bike path. This is an important "piece in the pie that's trying to be put together right now," said project manager Martin Hudson.
The RiversEdge residential and retail development project is still months and millions of dollars from breaking ground.
