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News & Issues Update

 

 March 2009

P.O. Box 520 Reno, OH 45773 -- 740-374-9436 -- www.buckeyehills.org
Federal Economic Recovery
Bill Finalized Ohio Releases Details
 
The nearly $790 billion economic stimulus bill is estimated to create about 133,000 jobs for Ohio over the next two years.
Ohio will actually receive about $95 million more than Gov. Ted Strickland planned to include in his biennial budget.
 
The federal measure would distribute more than $100 million more for in Medicaid funding and $4.1 million more for unemployment compensation than Gov. Strickland's budget assumed.Funding for the Child Care Development Block Grant is about $9.8 million less.
 
The Office of Budget and Management is continuing to analyze the full impact of the final version of the federal stimulus bill to determine if policy changes, such as tax revisions, will also impact the budget's revenue estimates.
All told, the federal measure is expected to funnel a total of more than $8.2 billion to Ohio.
Overall, the legislation will create or save 3.5 million jobs nationwide in a range of industries from clean energy to health care.
More than 90% of those employees are expected to be in the private sector. (Employment estimate)
The White House said the spending plan would also: reduce taxes; boost renewable energy capacity; invest in infrastructure; ensure health care coverage; and protect education and schools.
Ohio Impact: The Governor's Office said the measure provides Ohio about $4.8 billion in "state fiscal stabilization funds," which include $3 billion in increased Medicaid reimbursements and $1.5 billion for education and school modernization.
 
Another $326 million in general government operations will be allocated for health and human services, public safety, education, and conserving Ohio's natural resources.
Ohio will also receive about $971 million for highway and bridge projects, $203 million for transit capital grants and $9 million for rail modernization. Other infrastructure funding includes $224 million for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund program and $58 million for the Drinking Water SRF program.

In addition, the state will receive: $461 million in special education funding, $472 million in Title 1 funding, $44 million for vocational rehabilitation for Ohioans with disabilities, $23 million for technology in schools, and $3 million for school lunch equipment.
$146 million for the Workforce Investment Act, which includes training and employment services for dislocated workers as well as training and counseling activities for adult workers and youth.
$129 million to the Public Housing Capital Fund, $65 million to the HOME program and $66 million for homelessness prevention efforts, $68 million for childcare services, $27 million for the Head Start program and $39 million for community services block grants.
$277 million for home weatherization assistance and $123 million for the State Energy Program.
$62 million for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant and additional funds for crime victims assistance, Internet crimes against children and violence against women.
 
OHS and the Ohio Historic Preservation Office have compiled a list of "carpenter- and shovel-ready" projects from around the state totaling more than $610 million. Also included are proposals that will maintain historical sites and museums administered by the Ohio Historical Society. The projects have not been previously funded because of the shortage of state capital funds.

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Development
DATA CENTER UPDATE
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Januray Unemployment Rates
 
Ohio's job market pulled into positive territory in January, with unemployment declining from a revised 5.8 percent in December to 5.5 percent in January

Rates in the region:
Athens: 8.0%  
Hocking: 11.7%
Meigs: 14.9% 
Monroe: 13.2%
Morgan: 16.3%
Noble: 13.6%
Perry: 13.9%
Washington: 9.3%
  
2009 Buckeye Hills Executive Committee
The following will serve the residents of BH-HVRDD district as members of the 2009 Executive Committe: Lenny Eliason: County Commissioner, Athens County; Paul Wiehl: Mayor; City of Athens; John Walker: County Commissioner, Hocking County; Fred Hawk: Private Sector, Hocking County; Mick Davenport: County Commissioner, Meigs County; Donald Vaughn: Private Business, Meigs County; John Pyles: County Commissioner, Monroe County; John Curtis: Private Sector, Monroe County; Dean Cain: County Commissioner, Morgan County; Ron Moore: Private Sector, Morgan County; Virgil Thompson: County Commissioner, Noble County; Fred Shriner: County Commissioner, Perry County; Michael Mullen: Mayor City of Marietta; and Sam Cook: County Commissioner, Washington County.
 
calendarMark Your Calendars:Semi-Annual General Policy Council Meeting: Apr. 28 Buckeye Hills will host its Semi-Annual Meeting April 28 at the Marietta Country Club. 

 
 

Voinovich

Voinovich to Serve as Ranking Member: Sen. George Voinovich will serve as the ranking member for the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee's subcommittee that has jurisdiction over the Economic Development Administration (EDA), transportation programs and The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). 

 
Zack SpaceCongressman Zack Space to Serve on House Veterans' Committee: U.S. Rep. Zack Space has been re-appointed to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs. He will also rejoin the Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee.
 

State Representative Garrison Visits Buckeye Hills

Garrison_2009State Rep. Jennifer Garrison (D-93rd District) visited with leaders from Buckeye Hills in February to provide input and assistance on regional projects related to the Federal stimulus process as well as state budget needs.  Shown with Rep. Garrison (right) is Buckeye Hills Exec. Director Misty Casto. 
 
 
let's talk! Buckeye Hills Completes Region-wide Town Hall Meetings 

noble county forum"Our goal was simple: We wanted input from local residents on the issues and concerns, as well as the great thinking of individuals on solutions and regional partnership opportunities," said Buckeye Hills Executive Director Misty Casto. "To better leverage resources, we wanted to engage residents in the process of creating and deploying solutions for the region."
 
Town Hall meeting participants voiced their thoughts on a variety of topics including infrastructure, education, transportation and health care, among others. They also shared ideas for partnerships and working toward solutions. As a result, the voice of those living in the county and region will be gathered, offering needed insight for future planning. The perspectives raised in these meetings will help Buckeye Hills learn how to best serve people living in the 8-county region.

A compiled report will be available as part of the Annual report distributed in April. County-by-county overviews are now available on the BH-HVRDD web site.

Ohio House & Senate Assignments Noted:  State Rep. Debbie_PhillipsDebbie Phillips (92nd District) was named vice chairwoman of the Alternative Energy Committee that deals with incorporating alternative energy initiatives into Ohio's economy. Phillips will also serve on four other committees: Education, Health, Economic Development and Insurance.
 
 
 
 
 
Jimmy_StewartState Senator Jimmy Stewart (20th District) was elected vice chairman of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee and will serve as a member of the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee. He will also serve as vice chairman of the State and Local Government and Veterans Affairs Committee. In addition, he will serve on the Health, Human Services and Aging Committee as well as the Insurance, Commerce and Labor Committee.
AROUND THE DISTRICT:   

Perry County: Capital Access Event Slated for March 12
Do you have a business or a business idea that needs money?  
Whether you are a business looking for a loan for working capital and equipment or a person with a high tech idea that needs funding, this session will help you navigate the world of investment, bank and government financing.  Presented by TechColumbus and the Small Business Development Center, learn more about special programs to help fill the gaps of Conventional Lending: 
- Perry County Chamber of Commerce
- Grow Now Program
- Southern Perry Incubation Center for Entrepreneurs
- Ohio Small Business Administration
- United States Department of Agriculture
- TechColumbus regarding the TechStart Program
- Buckeye Hills-HVRDD Revolving Loan Fund
- CCDC/SBA 504
- USDA
 
The interactive panel of lenders will discuss issues such as: What is the role of a bank? How do I attract investors? What is involved in writing a business plan? Do I need collateral? and How to prepare a start-up and existing business for funding.
 
8:30- 9a.m.  ~ Registration and Networking
9-11 a.m. ~ Capital Access 
At the Perry County Senior Center:
520 First Stree tin New Lexington.There is no cost to attend this event, but registration is required (By March 11).  Click Here to Register 
 
Washington County: YMCA Opens Wellness Center
YMCA_MariettaThe new Reno YMCA facility in the former 5,000-square-foot Kardex building at the industrial park on Ohio 7 North was funded by a $250,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission and is intended to make the Reno Business Park and newly created industrial complex more attractive to prospective businesses.
The fitness center opened in Feb. Nautilus, exercise and strength training, along with a fully-equipped weight room, are available. Shown cutting the ribbon is Al Miller of the YMCA.
 
Washington County: BH-HVRDD Board Supports Feasibility Study for Port Authority
The Executive Board passed a resolution at its Feb. meeting to support a proposed study to look into whether the area could maximize the Ohio River to become a more viable destination for barge traffic. The Southeastern Ohio Port Authority is seeking a grant for the study, which would seek to find out how feasible it would be to make the county a port destination for businesses using shipping containers.

Mike Jacoby, Director for the Port Authority, shared that studies predict the volume of international trade coming through the country's major ports will double from 2001 to 2020.

Once the feasibility study is finished, local officials can use those documented advantages to market the area to new businesses looking to ship using the Mississippi and Ohio rivers.

AAA8

AAA8 County Councils on Aging Active Across the District

Whether they support health fairs, programs that contact an elderly person to reassure their well being, or fundraising for senior centers, County Councils on Aging across the AAA8 eight-county region are active and engaged. The Area Agency on Aging 8 in partnership with County Councils on Aging keeps up-to-date on senior issues and needs across the region.
 
Members from each County Council represent their area on the AAA8 Regional Advisory Council. Comprised of representative members, the Council brings a wide range of perspectives, experience and expertise to AAA8 and the residents it serves.
 
Monroe_Council
 
The Monroe County County Council on Aging meets monthly at the Senior Center and is gearing up for its Senior Services Levy Campaign in the fall. Meeting with two new county commissioners, the group is shown at the Feb. meeting. Seated are Commissioners (from left) Tim Price and Carl Davis. Standing is Arlene Winland; Margaret Dalrymple; President, Walter Burkhalter; Jean Ackerman, Treasurer;  Betty Weber, Secretary; Jean Baldwin, Clarington Site Coordinator and Alice Piatt of the Monroe Senior Center.
Industrial Site Improvement Fund Application Process Noted
 
The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) is launching its fifth competitive funding round under the Industrial Site Improvement Fund (ISIF) program. A total of $3.5 million is available through the
program, which provides grant assistance of up to $750,000 to eligible Ohio counties for the improvement of qualified commercial and industrial areas. The ISIF is a reimbursement-based grant program that provides funds for acquiring land or buildings; expanding and modernizing buildings; remediating environmentally contaminated property; and completing infrastructure improvements for a site. Eligible counties are those counties that are geographically and/or economically distressed. Applications are evaluated based on a variety of measures, including site improvement project feasibility and the applicant's site improvement and marketing plans. Deadline is March 31
Visit ODOD for more details.

ARC Announces Third Round of Grants Competition Promoting Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Schools

 
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) announced the third round of a grants competition to assist Appalachian communities in leveraging renewable-energy and energy-efficiency resources to revitalize their economies. ARC expects to provide six to ten awards of up to $45,000 each, for a total of $250,000 in awards, to help implement energy efficiency and renewable energy programs in K - 12 schools within the Appalachian Region. 
 
This grants program will underwrite costs of installing renewable energy and energy efficiency equipment in K - 12 schools in Appalachia, and provide support for the implementation of associated science, environment, and business curricula in the classroom.  Renewable energy equipment eligible for this RFP will include: wind power; solar power, both solar thermal or photovoltaics; fuel cells; biofuels; and geothermal systems.  A range of energy efficiency technologies are also eligible for this grants program.
 
An independent review panel will be convened to evaluate submissions.  This panel will include leading energy efficiency and renewable energy organizations, and ARC's federal, state and local partners.  The review panel will forward recommendations to ARC for final approval.
 
Click Here to learn more.
 
2009 Ohio Brownfield Conference
Mark your calendars for the 2009 Ohio Brownfield Conference, to be held May 12-14 at the Roberts Centre in Wilmington, Ohio. Registration information will be sent in the near future from Ohio EPA via email to those on the interested party list. To enroll in the Ohio Brownfield Interested Party List, please visit:
http://www.epa.state.oh.us/derr/SABR/Email/email.html.
 
 
Attorney General Hosts Regional Events: Money is tight these days, which makes stretching dollars more important than ever. Attend a Smart Consumer Resource Fair and learn defense tactics to protect your pocketbook and avoid scams.
Call Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray's Help Center at 1-800-282-0515 for additional information.
Marietta
O'Neill Senior Center
March 2, 12-3 p.m.
333 Fourth St. Marietta
Athens
Athens Public Library
March 5, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
30 Home St. Athens

Oral Health and Access to Dental Care Forum Slated
Dr. Alvin Jackson, Director of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), has convened the 2009 Task Force on Oral Health and Access to Dental Care to make recommendations on how to increase statewide access to oral health and prevention services. Regional meetings will be held in six locations to get input from consumers, providers and other stakeholders.  The SE Ohio forum will be held March 5 in Athens County at the Nelsonville Public Library located at 95 West Washington in Nelsonville.
March 5 - Patient/Consumer Focus: 9:30 a.m.-noon
Provider Focus:1:30 p.m.- 4p.m. Pre-registration is not required, but may be accomplished using this link.
Contact Us
Buckeye Hills is organized as a voluntary organization of local government political subdivisions to foster cooperative efforts in regional planning, and implementing of regional plans and programs. Share your success stories and let us assist with your development needs - 740-374-9436. 

 
Misty Casto - Buckeye Hills Executive Director
Rick Hindman - Buckeye Hills Assistant Executive Director & Area Agency on Aging Director
Melissa Zoller - Development Director
Doug Dye - Fiscal Director 
Gwynn Clifford - Communications Director