CERA

COLUMBUS, Ohio — State Rep. Jack Cera, D-Bellaire, announced Monday the approval of several projects by the State Controlling Board and said he is pleased to see dollars coming back to Eastern Ohio.

Belmont College received about $354,881 to assist the school with purchasing Workforce Based Training and Equipment. The equipment will help in training for “in-demand skills” needed to fill jobs of the future within energy industries and health care professions.

“This investment in our local workforce will help strengthen business opportunities throughout the region,” said Cera, who is a member of the legislative panel providing oversight on capital and operating expenditures by state agencies.

The Controlling Board also approved several recreational projects through the NatureWorks program. This program, administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, provides local governments with support to develop outdoor recreational areas and this round included funding for Jefferson and Belmont counties.

In Jefferson County, the Steubenville Parks and Recreation Department will use $45,495 to build new adult fitness units in Jim Woods Park and Belleview Park. Toronto will receive $16,825 to install a basketball court in Lincoln Park.

“Outdoor recreational spaces contribute much more than meets the eye,” Cera said. “They promote public health, make our neighborhoods more attractive to families and become focal points of the community at large. I am excited to see the state support these projects in our region.”

Cera also noted that two projects in Belmont County received funding: Bethesda’s Epworth Park received $22,798 to replace four pedestrian trail bridges, while the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District received $17,475 to construct a new accessible fishing pier and kayak launch at the Reynolds Road launch ramp.

“Local officials are encouraged to apply for the NatureWorks grant program. This is a terrific opportunity to leverage state funding to help improve our neighborhoods,” Cera said.

Nearly all local subdivisions of government are eligible to apply for NatureWorks grants, which cover up to 75 percent of the costs associated with the acquisition, development or rehabilitation of public park and recreation areas. The 2019 NatureWorks applications will become available early next year, with a deadline of June 1. More information on the NatureWorks grant program can be found at http://ohiodnr.gov/grants.