FY2024 Community Project Funding Requests

After receiving hundreds of inquiries and requests, Rep. Kaptur has submitted funding requests for important community projects in Ohio's Ninth District to the House Appropriations Committee.

Community Project Funding (CPF) is an initiative for Fiscal Year 2024 that will allow Members of Congress to request direct funding for projects that benefit the communities they represent. CPF is separate from federal grants and funding apportioned by formula. CPF’s are also not normal appropriations requests, which deal with funding levels for individual federal programs.

Rep. Kaptur will review funding requests for important community projects in Ohio's Ninth District to be submitted to the House Appropriations Committee. Under guidelines issued by the Appropriations Committee, each Representative may request funding for up to 15 projects in their community for Fiscal Year 2024 – although only a few may actually be funded. Projects are restricted to a limited number of federal funding accounts, and only state and local governments and eligible non-profit entities are permitted to receive funding. Additional information on the reforms governing Community Project Funding is available here.

Mark Milford Hicksville Joint Township Hospital – Hicksville Community Memorial Hospital Outpatient Pharmacy and Infusion Clinic Project (AG)

$1,650,000
208 N. Columbus Street, Hicksville, Ohio 43526
Community Memorial Hospital's Outpatient Pharmacy and Infusion Clinic Project represents a significant return on investment for taxpayers because it directly addresses two critical gaps in rural northwest Ohio's healthcare system--the lack of outpatient pharmacies and infusion clinics for cancer treatment--and generates significant savings while doing so. Community Memorial's service area of approximately 20,000 underserved, disproportionately older residents currently has only two retail pharmacies (creating a local access ratio for pharmacies twice as high as Ohio's statewide ratio) and in recent years has recorded the highest concentration of new cancer diagnoses in the ten-county northwest Ohio region, per CDC data. Spending $1.65 million as a one-time disbursement to help expand the Hospital's inpatient drug formulary into a full-service outpatient pharmacy (expected to see 20,000 patient visits in its first year) and convert its existing IV therapy section into a much more comprehensive clinic for multi-patient chemotherapy delivery (at least 2,500 patients within a year) will immediately meet these needs. At the same time, the Hospital estimates that sending its employees to its own pharmacy will allow it to save $1 million every year in employee prescription drug insurance costs relative to current baselines, which can be redirected to support core patient care, workforce development, and community outreach activities.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

University of Toledo – ARS Greenhouse Research Facility on Controlled Environment Agriculture (AG)

$3,700,000
2801 W. Bancroft Street, Toledo, Ohio 43606
A long and productive partnership between the USDA ARS Application Technology Research Unit and The University of Toledo has generated cutting-edge science in greenhouse crop production and controlled environment agriculture (CEA). The greenhouse nursery industry has a significant presence in northwest Ohio. But the industry is increasingly feeling intense competitive pressure from southern Ontario whose greenhouse industry is more technologically intensive and is able to take advantage of economies of scale. The CEA industry encompasses facilities ranging from small family-owned businesses with relatively simple technologies to large corporate vertical farms employing artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer controlled environmental systems. Despite the variability in farm size and technological status, these controlled environment industries are collectively economically critical and well-organized. Ohio is one of the largest specialty crop producers in the country, with over 800 operations generating over $486 million in sales (2019). The mission statement of the ARS is to improve productivity, competitiveness, & sustainability of horticultural crop producers. This is an opportunity to establish a federal R&C center in Toledo focused on solving problems and creating economic opportunity in NW Ohio.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

City of Sandusky – MacArthur Park Neighborhood Drinking Water Infrastructure (Interior)

$2,000,000
240 Columbus Avenue, Sandusky, Ohio 44870
The MacArthur Park Neighborhood Drinking Water Infrastructure project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will provide water transmission and distribution improvements that are critical to revitalization of an underserved community. The project will increase the economic development capacity of the region through neighborhood stabilization for key members of the regional workforce. Undersized utilities, end-of-life concrete streets, and undersized storm systems characterize the infrastructure in the South Side neighborhood of Sandusky, where more than 10% of the total city population are located. This project would modernize the infrastructure of the MacArthur Park Neighborhood and allow for future development of housing and other amenities.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

Board of Ottawa County Commissioners – Portage-Catawba Island Wastewater Infrastructure (Interior)

$3,186,393
314 Madison Street #103, Port Clinton, Ohio 43452
The Portage-Catawba Wastewater Infrastructure project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will lower the risk of dangerous sanitary sewer overflows and cut down on phosphorus and nitrogen runoff that contributes to harmful algal and mycrocystin blooms. The project is necessary to 1) provide an upgrade of the Ottawa County, Portage-Catawba Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Sludge Drying and Removal Facilities in compliance with applicable NPDES permit requirements associated with sludge management and 2) install a 4,800 LF Force Main from State Road thru Christy Chapel Road to Sand Road in order to re-direct excessive sewage flow from Pump Station #450 located at the intersection of SR #53 and SR #163 (where a wastewater collection bottleneck is occurring and resulting in excess wastewater flow limiting the capacity of existing and future growth).
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

Board of Fulton County Commissioners on behalf of Public Utilities – Pleasant View Wastewater Treatment Plant (Interior)

$960,000
152 South Fulton Street, Wauseon, Ohio 43567
The Pleasant View Wastewater Treatment Plant Replacement Project is requesting funding to help cover the cost of construction of a new wastewater treatment facility at the same site in rural Fulton County. This project is a good use of taxpayer funds because it is a necessary improvement that will bring the facility up to modern day standards and give the residents of the subdivision renewed peace of mind in the integrity of the public wastewater infrastructure system. Total replacement would also prevent any potential future environmental contamination that would occur by further deterioration of the wastewater infrastructure components. Responsible demolition and abandonment of the old facility as part of this project will further bolster public confidence around any environmental concerns there may be in mitigation of a large wastewater project such as this.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

City of Defiance Fire and Rescue Division – Public Safety and Emergency Operations Complex (Homeland)

$1,800,000
702 West 3rd Street, Defiance, Ohio 43512
The City of Defiance Fire and Rescue Division Public Safety and Emergency Operations Complex will consist of a combined Fire/EMS and Law Enforcement building. The new Public Safety and Emergency Operations Complex will incorporate an Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This facility will have the ability to coordinate the operations of large-scale disasters and incidents from a central location for law enforcement, Fire/EMS, county officials, and specialty response groups. The EOC will benefit all citizens of Defiance County, totaling over 38,000 residents. Defiance County has a variety of infrastructure and business, which have the potential for large scale disasters. The EOC will give public safety officials a modern, high-tech facility to mitigate these incidents.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

Sandusky County Commissioners – EMS Facilities Upgrades (Homeland)

$3,000,000
622 Croghan Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420
The Sandusky County EMS Facilities Upgrades will allow the EMA office to be in a space where they can house all their emergency equipment for easy access. The EMA Office is currently located in the basement of the jail. This location gives better access and more room when the EOC is activated. Communication services will be updated and enhanced. This facility will also provide easy and faster access to the community for EMS to provide Emergency Services to the Community and keeps the two offices in closer communication when working together. Job and Family Services will provide a private and relaxed visitation area for families and individuals that need supervised visitation and OSU Extension will have a one stop facility for 4-H group training and classes.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

City of Oregon – Police and Safety Services Innovation, Modernization and Resiliency (DOJ)

$1,362,130
5330 Seaman Road, Oregon, Ohio 43616
This is a good use of taxpayer funds because it focuses on acquisition of technologies and equipment for the City of Oregon, Ohio that will allow local law enforcement and safety services to provide a higher quality community support and security. The City of Oregon’s project request includes public safety services innovation, modernization, and resiliency aspects. The total funding will be used to support a robust plan of improved equipment upgrades. The funding will support the City of Oregon’s safety services, including the Police Division’s Canine Reestablishment, the Police Division’s Training and Equipment Innovation and Modernization, and the City of Oregon Fire Engine Modernization. The project has a federal nexus because the funding provided is for purposes of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (34 U.S.C. § 10381(b)(8)).
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

East Toledo Family Center – Community Center Expansion (HUD)

$4,000,000
1001 White Street, Toledo, Ohio 43605
The East Toledo Family Center's Building Project is a good use of taxpayer funds and are needed to support an expansion of our current facility. The funds will allow us to develop a 23,000 square foot facility that will be connected to our current facility and part of Navarre Park (42 U.S. Code 5305(a)(1)). On-site improvements will include additional parking and community space, a play area, a gym and a senior area to create safe and usable space in their neighborhood (42 U.S. Code 5305(a)(2)). As a part of the improvements barriers that restrict mobility and accessibility of elderly and handicapped persons will be completed ((42 U.S. Code 5305(a)(5)). Finally, this project also aligns with the City of Toledo's 2020-2024 & 2021-2022 Action Plan to create suitable living environments for its residents. The East Toledo Family Center is committed to building a facility and grounds that our youth and adult participants can utilize.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

Cherry Street Mission Ministries – Emergency Shelter Renovation (HUD)

$2,000,000
1501 Monroe Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604
CSMM’s Emergency Shelter Renovation project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will cover the capital costs associated with transforming the homeless emergency shelter to provide more space to get people off the street, out of the emergency room and out of jail. This will reduce the taxpayer burden to support the most economically and socially challenged individuals in our society. The project aligns with activities eligible for assistance under 42 U.S. Code 5305(a)(4). Since integrating program service offerings into one central location (i.e., a central service hub model) the time it takes to address the needs of chronically homeless individuals and support them in the housing first model has been reduced from years to months. Cherry Street’s vision of providing a centralized hub of services to help eradicate poverty in an individual’s life accelerates the stabilization process and is helping them move towards best practices that are good for our community.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

Lucas Housing Services Corporation – North Toledo Home Ownership Project (HUD)

$1,800,000
424 Jackson Street, P.O. Box 477, Toledo, Ohio 43697
This project is a great use of tax payers funds because the project will improve the financial well-being of participants. Homeownership also helps to improve the areas surrounding individual homes. The housing industry is closely tied to the economy—when home sales are up, so are jobs. Together, these complementary forces create a more stable local, state and national economy. The community also benefits from the real estate taxes paid by the property owner. These funds are used for infrastructure services and projects including: road repair, construction of schools, library operations, police and fire protection, snow removal, parks and greenways, government social services, other enriching infrastructure projects. The impact of homeownership goes beyond the financial aspect. Some of the greatest community benefits are intangible. Homeowners in a city or town are often very invested in the area. They get involved in activities, volunteer for charity organizations and help out with special events. They feel a sense of belonging that is often greater than someone who is renting for a short term. Homeowners often get involved in the politics of the community, attending city council meetings and volunteering for groups and organizations, such as neighborhood watches and school boards. In addition, they work hard to keep their properties looking nice. This sense of responsibility carries over into other areas of the community as well.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

Board of Lucas County Commissions – Lucas County, Ohio, Materials Recovery Facility (HUD)

$2,000,000
1 Government Center, Toledo, Ohio 43604
The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because the beneficial reuse of the landfill property for a MRF will allow for future opportunities for collecting and managing e-waste, yard waste, and food waste. Additionally, there are advantages to supplement the curbside recycling collection program with an area set up for dropping off recyclable materials. Lucas County’s material recovery facility (MRF) is anticipated to process up to 35,000 tons of residential curbside recycling materials each year. Creation of this facility was also highly encouraged by leaders in Ohio EPA’s Division of Materials & Waste Management and by many local officials. The District established a funding mechanism in 2013 to begin generating funds for capital improvement expenses as well as operation and maintenance costs; these funds, and other potential financing mechanisms, will be used to pay for the balance of the MRF building costs.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments – Chessie Circle Trail Pedestrian and Bike Land Bridge (Transportation)

$2,080,000
300 Dr. M.L.K. Jr. Drive, Ste 300, Toledo, Ohio 43604
The Chessie Circle Trail Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge project consists of the preliminary engineering for a new bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Maumee River on the Chessie Circle Corridor, and construction of the section of the Chessie Circle Trail on the Wood County side of the Maumee River from River Road to Bates Road. Once completed, this project will make a connection through the heart of the region across the Maumee River. This bridge will connect Lucas and Wood Counties with recreation opportunities and an alternative transportation choice. The project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will provide another source of transportation and recreation to the region, expanding disadvantaged communities’ access to job opportunities, educational opportunities, and housing options. Further, the project is a top priority for the Chessie Circle Trail Coordinating Committee and TMACOG and will fulfill a commitment to repurpose the rail corridor after removal of an obsolete railroad bridge.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

City of Toledo – MLK Bridge, Construct a Multi-use Path (Transportation)

$2,500,000
640 Jackson Street, Toledo, Ohio 43604
As the most centrally-located Maumee River bridge in Toledo, the MLK provides important connectivity between downtown and East Toledo. Currently, the bridge has relatively high vehicle traffic volume and speeds, lacks bicycle infrastructure, and has minimal pedestrian protection. The MLK Bridge, Construct a Multi-Use Path project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it would improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians, increase multimodal access to the economic opportunities and amenities of downtown Toledo, and provide a key link in the ongoing development of Metroparks Toledo’s Glass City Riverwalk. Currently under development, the Riverwalk activates Toledo’s greatest natural asset to catalyze a broader revitalization of downtown Toledo’s riverfront. When complete, the Riverwalk will include 300 acres of parkland connected by a continuous 5-mile trail. The MLK Bridge path will connect International Park, which is currently undergoing redevelopment, to existing and planned new greenspace and amenities across the river downtown. The bridge directly borders 4 census tracts with a combined population of more than 8,000; all are considered disadvantaged communities by the White House Council on Environmental Quality's Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST). The project will provide safe bike and pedestrian connectivity for the approximately 24,000 residents of Toledo's east side, all of whom reside in disadvantaged communities as defined by CEJST. Nearly 35,000 residents in six neighborhoods live within one mile of the area, including some of the most economically disadvantaged and socially underserved communities in our region.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.

City of Fremont – West State Street Pavement and Pedestrian Access Revitalization (Transportation)

$1,700,000
323 South Front Street, Fremont, Ohio 43420
The West State Street Pavement and Pedestrian Access Revitalization project is an appropriate use of taxpayer funds because it will extend the thriving historic downtown Fremont area and better connect it to adjacent residential neighborhoods. It will replace nearly 40 year old sidewalks, ramps, and hand rails with a focus on better complying with current ADA standards. There are also opportunities for stormwater quality improvements through the use of bioswales, rain gardens, and/or other stormwater management strategies. Another major component of this project is the repaving of the roadway surface with the addition of fiberglass matting for greater longevity. 15,821 people and 6,556 households residing in the City of Fremont will benefit from the proposed project directly. Indirectly, an additional 42,894 people throughout the rest of Sandusky County will benefit from the highway infrastructure improvements, along with hundreds who visit the community daily. The City of Fremont’s downtown area continues to be transformed into a vibrant community that offers a high quality of life and is an attraction for redevelopment, business, job creation, and economic and housing diversity and growth. The city is rich with economic growth enticing visitors from across Ohio and beyond because of recent developments which include the connection to other communities through the addition of the Inland Bike Trail, the revitalization of Rodger Young Park and the Sandusky County Park District, construction of a new Amphitheater beginning in 2023, and Fremont is visited by thousands of fishermen annually during the Bass and Walleye Sandusky River runs. In addition, Fremont is perhaps best known as being the home of President Rutherford B. Hayes. Hayes, an Ohio governor as well as the nineteenth President of the United States moved to his home, Spiegel Grove, in 1873, just three years before the American voters elected him, President. Spiegel Grove is part of the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library and Museum and is visited by hundreds of people from across the country.
Signed disclosure and federal nexus letter available here.