Capital Improvements Budget Includes Unprecedented Investment in Resurfacing
MEDIA RELEASE
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2013
For
More Information:
John Ivanic, City Council, (614) 645-6798
Dan Williamson, Mayor's office, (614) 645-5300
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Capital Improvements Budget Includes Unprecedented
Investment in Resurfacing
Other Highlights Include Bikeways, Safety Cameras and
Transformed Maryland Pool
Mayor Michael B. Coleman and Columbus City Council members announced the proposed 2013 City of Columbus Capital
Improvements Budget, which includes a combined $65 million for resurfacing over
the next two years: a record $32 million this year plus $33 million in 2014.
The proposal, which consists of $379 million in new funding for neighborhood
projects, also includes $4.7 million for the Maryland Swimming Pool on the Near
East Side. The Maryland pool will be transformed into a state-of-the-art
swimming attraction with new slides, spray fountains and other modern amenities
in time for the 2014 swimming season.
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Finance Committee Chair Priscilla R. Tyson discusses the 2013 Capital Improvements Budget as Mt. Vernon Avenue District Improvement Association President Al Edmondson, Council President Andrew Ginther, Councilmember Zach Klein, and Council President Pro Tem A. Troy Miller look on. |
“When we invest in better
places for our kids to cool off and have fun, we’re investing in their health,
safety and quality of life,” Mayor Coleman said. “All of these neighborhood
investments will strengthen our city and our residents for years to come.”
The unprecedented investment
in resurfacing will improve more than 145 lane miles of roadways and more than
30 miles of alleys, bringing the total resurfacing investment since 2010 to
more than $110 million. In addition, the Capital Improvements Budget proposal
includes $8.7 million for bikeway development, including 107 sharrow pavement
markings, 49 bike boulevard pavement markings and 1.7 miles of shared-used
paths. The proposal also includes more than $5 million for pedestrian safety
improvements that include nearly 8 miles of sidewalks.
“Strong neighborhoods
include safe streets and sidewalks for residents and visitors to enjoy,” said
Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Service and Transportation
Committee. “This long-term investment in resurfacing will allow us to make
an impact in every corner of Columbus.”
Other proposed investments
include:
- $5 million for the Reeb School;
- $2.5 million for the mayor’s VAP program to demolish
the worst vacant houses;
- $2.25 million for roadway improvements to increase
two-way traffic in Franklinton;
- $2.1 million for increased fiber connectivity;
- $500,000 for additional neighborhood safety cameras.
“These Capital Budget
priorities are an investment in the quality of life in Columbus,” said
Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, chair of the Finance Committee. “The
priorities reflect the importance of building better communities and an
improved business climate in Columbus.”
City Council will hold a hold
a public hearing on the proposed 2013 Capital Budget Amendments on Wednesday,
March 20, 5:30 p.m., in Council Chambers. Speaker slips will be accepted
and the meeting will be broadcast live on CTV, Columbus’ government television
channel on local cable systems. City Council is scheduled to vote on the
proposed budget on April 1.
Priority Capital Projects
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Police & Fire Annual
Radio Equipment Program
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$600,000
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Safety Cameras
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$500,000
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Police & Fire Facility
Renovation
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$3,700,000
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Crime Lab
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$14,500,000
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Fire Apparatus
(Medics/Platform Ladders/Engines)
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$6,000,000
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Fire Station #2
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$7,000,000
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Columbus Coated Fabrics
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$2,800,000
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American Addition
Infrastructure Improvements
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$7,600,000
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Vacant Housing Demolition
(VAP)
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$2,500,000
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Reeb Road School
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$5,000,000
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Swimming Facilities
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$500,000
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Swimming Facilities -
Maryland Pool
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$4,693,000
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HVAC Improvements -
Recreation Centers
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$3,150,000
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Emerald Ash Borer/Street
Trees
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$1,900,000
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Athletic Complex
Renovations - Mercury Floor Issue (Big Run Complex)
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$1,400,000
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Resurfacing - Additional
Funding / ADA / Alley
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$32,000,000
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Bridge Rehabilitation
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$4,500,000
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Bikeway Development
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$8,702,350
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Pedestrian Safety
Improvements
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$4,600,000
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Operation Safewalks Joyce
Avenue Phase 2 & Phase 3
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$450,000
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Street Equipment
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$4,774,807
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Creative Campus
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$500,000
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Franklinton Roadway
Improvements
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$2,250,000
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Karl Road - 161 to Schrock
Road
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$4,930,000
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Citywide Curb
Rehabilitation Program
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$1,000,000
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Mechanized Collection
Equipment
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$4,914,858
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Street Lighting &
Distribution Improvements
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$1,600,000
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Fiber Connectivity
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$2,100,000
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