Events Calendar
In This Section
Most Read Stories
Suitcase causes bomb scare at Akron bus terminal
Akron City Council OKs higher speed on I-77
Chapel Hill isn't rolling right along
Motorcyclist killed, wife injured in Stark County crash
New eateries expand menu of options
Man says he was punched, robbed by 3 people in parking lot
Patrick McManamon: Here's what the Browns should try the rest of the season
Louisville athlete commits to play for Boston College
Family found dead in Ohio home
Blogs:
Pets:
It Takes All Kinds
The Heldenfiles:
Tuesday Notebook
Patrick McManamon:
An interesting thought from a reader
Akron Zips:
Akron vs. Mount Union — Liveblog
Tribe Matters:
Indians announce spring dates
Cleveland Browns:
Mangini doesn't name a quarterback
Kent State Sports:
Flashes interested in another Cincinnati player
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Shaq: It’s All About Winning Championships
Buckeye Blogging:
Buckeyes Roll 100-60 / Season Outlook
Varsity Letters:
Report: Walsh baseball player commits
All Da King's Men:
More On The Fort Hood Jihadist
Blog of Mass Destruction:
Simply Incapable of Telling The Truth
Akron Law Café:
Health Care Financing Reform: (63) Commonwealth Fund Report on Primary Care
See Jane Style:
Muffle Your Muffler
Car Chase:
Clock Tender- Extending the Life of Collector Car Clocks
Let's Talk Real Estate:
Rumors: Akron Starbucks Closing
Ohio Travels with Betty:
Jack is looking for a trip to Southern Ohio the week of November 16.
Sound Check:
Aeromsith looking for new singer as Steven Tyler contemplates solo career
HRLite House:
Personal Rant – Why People Do Not Live in Northeast Ohio
Akron Gamer:
Video: 'Modern Warfare 2' hits the streets
An Ohio success story has been the Clean Ohio program. Voters must continue this catalyst in improving our quality of life
Published on Sunday, Sep 21, 2008
We strongly recommend a ''yes'' vote on Issue 2 on Nov. 4.
Since 2001, Clean Ohio has been a catalyst for change in the state's economy. By approving a constitutional amendment to authorize the issuance of $400 million in additional bonds, voters will support a program with a proven record of attracting investment dollars, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for all Ohioans. Put another way, Clean Ohio serves as economic stimulus.
More, the bonds would be backed by general fund revenues. Issue 2 would not increase taxes.
Half of the bonds would be targeted for cleaning up abandoned and polluted industrial sites, the urban brownfields. The $200 million spent so far has leveraged some $2.6 billion in public and private investment, creating 15,000 permanent jobs and 100,000 short-term construction jobs.
Redevelopment in core cities reduces sprawl, easing overall government costs because infrastructure such as water lines and sewer lines are already in place. In Akron, for example, the city received $2.8 million to clean up the site for Dave's Supermarket on Exchange Street.
The other part of the Clean Ohio program provides grants for expanded greenspace. The preservation of farmland and natural areas and the expansion of parks and recreational facilities add in significant ways to the quality of life enjoyed in all parts of the state. Preservation of wild areas improves water quality and provides the habitat necessary to support fish and wildlife. In addition, the improvement of parks and trails adds to the state's ability to attract and retain talented workers whose knowledge is needed to move the state economy forward.
This fund has helped transform both urban and rural landscapes. Akron has received $1.8 million to help extend the Ohio & Erie Towpath Trail into downtown Akron. In all, Summit County has received $19 million in Clean Ohio funds.
Whether it is a revitalized urban landscape, with new jobs and attractive parks and trails, or a rural landscape free from sprawl and providing a healthier environment, the Clean Ohio program has given Ohioans a big bang for their bucks.
The bottom line is, Ohioans can't afford not to continue Clean Ohio.
Get the full article here.
Comments
Click here to post your comments
