(The Center Square) – Ohio taxpayers are on the hook for more than $20 million for jail improvement in three counties that officials say will help security.
The money came a few days before the Ohio Controlling Board gave away millions in taxpayer funds for things like state park and college renovations.
Two jails in southeast Ohio will share $17 million, with Montgomery County receiving $13 million for ongoing renovations, and Clark County getting $4 million to buy land and design a new jail.
Stark County, in northeast Ohio, will receive $7.5 million to help with construction on its new jail.
The money comes through the Ohio Jail Safety and Security Program, which began in 2021. It helps local communities pay for improvements at out-of-date or structurally failing jails. So far, more than $230 million in taxpayer funds has been spent on nearly 70 jail projects.
“Jails are expensive to build and expensive to keep up, so this program helps ease some of the financial burden at the local level,” Gov. Mike DeWine said in a release. “This program has already made a major impact at jails across the state by helping create safer environments for those working and residing at these facilities.”
Grand Lake St. Mary’s State Park received $1.4 million to help with dam renovations and to rehabilitate breakwater structures at Prairie Creek and Coldwater Creek.
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“Grand Lake St. Mary’s is one of our region’s greatest assets, and these investments ensure it will continue to serve families, sportsmen, and visitors for generations to come,” Rep. Angie King, R-Celina, said in a statement. “I’m thrilled to see the state prioritize the long-term health and safety of the lake, and I’m proud to deliver resources that strengthen recreation, protect our environment, and boost our local economy.”
Also, Hocking College, in Athens County, will receive nearly $250,000 for a new HVAC system in the drone education and training lab. It will also get another $220,000 to design its culinary lab renovations.
