This page highlights Ohio agencies and other entities that are planning stimulus-related projects and programs and does not purport to represent every dollar that will be allocated to the state of Ohio. This page will be updated to reflect new projects and funding opportunities as information becomes available.
How Ohio’s Project Submission/Funding Process Works:
While some states have their agencies make independent decisions about how to use their ARRA money and then open up a process for private entities to bid for the opportunity to work on a particular project, Ohio has a different procedure.
The state has published a chart of programs to be funded with ARRA money, either from state agencies, local organizations, or directly from the federal government.
Entities interested in applying for funds must first submit a project that fits the requirements of one of the posted programs. Each category of programs has a separate deadline for submissions. The state will review the submissions, identify those that meet eligibility requirements, and then send additional information about applying for funds to any entity that submitted an eligible project. Additional information about is available about submitting a project, including the on-line submission form.
Current Activity as of June, 2009:
Infrastructure/Transportation: $935.7 million
The Ohio Department of Transportation (DOT) has already approved 149 transportation infrastructure projects, including 113 roadway projects, 5 maritime and port projects, 22 railway projects and a number of inter-modal connection projects, including the refurbishing of several terminals to connect freight shipments by air, rail and truck. $29.8 million is also set aside for rural public transportation projects, including money to fund rural transit system requests for new vehicles. $161.5 million was directly sub-allocated to major metropolitan planning organizations for their own uses.
The state closed its project submission process for infrastructure projects on March 3, 2009. It will soon be sending information about how to apply for money for approved projects to those entities that submitted eligible project ideas. For more information go to the Ohio state Recovery website, including a full list of the prioritized projects.
What this means for Ohio employers: Construction contractors and other building companies can expect to see many opportunities for work in the coming months. Employers that supply the materials used in infrastructure construction and repair will also benefit, as will skilled and unskilled laborers, urban planning companies, surveyors and engineers, among others. Construction employers who did not submit project suggestions should continue to work within their ordinary networks for additional subcontracting opportunities on upcoming ARRA projects.
The US Department of Interior will spend $42 million for renovations and repairs at several national parks and airports in Ohio. Ohio will spend more than $17 million in Recovery funds on projects at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Hopewell Culture Historic Park and Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial. In addition, The US DOT will spend more than $24 million in Recovery Act funds on two construction projects at Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport and Findlay Airport.
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Environmental Protection: Total amount of environmental funds not available.
The ARRA provides funding to the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for drinking water and water pollution control infrastructure projects and the National Clean Diesel Campaign in Ohio. The deadline for submitting pre-applications for these types of projects expired on March 13, 2009 and the state will shortly release a list of prioritized projects that will receive ARRA money. The totals for each category of project are as follows:
- $58.5 million in drinking water stimulus project funds
- $220.6 million for water pollution control
- $1.7 million (estimated based on funds the state has already requested) for the Clean Diesel Campaign
Ohio EPA will spend Recovery Act funds on 69 drinking water projects in 52 communities and 255 water pollution control projects in 164 communities. Ohio EPA has issued draft Intended Use Plans (IUPs) and will hold a public meeting to take comments on the plans on May 7, 2009, in Columbus. The US EPA will need to approve the IUP prior to funds being awarded. Find more information on drinking water projects and water pollution control projects.
What this means for Ohio employers: After the OEPA releases its list of water and clean diesel projects that will receive funding, there will be opportunities for employers to subcontract for work. There are additional opportunities for work on projects that crossover between the federal EPA and DOE, such as programs to weatherize homes and supply more energy-efficient appliances. The scope of occupations that stand to benefit from the work is broad.
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Education: $2.6 billion
Preliminary numbers show that the stimulus package will provide nearly $2.6 billion in additional funding for several existing operations and programs. As of February 19, 2009, the US Department of Education had indicated the following allocations to Ohio:
- $373 million for Title I Grants to Local Educational Agencies for low-income populations and special education programs
- $23.9 million for Educational Technology State Grants
- $43.7 million for IDEA Part B Grants to States
- $14.3 million for IDEA Part B Preschool Grants to States
Ohio is also eligible to apply for up to 1.7 billion under the new State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. This money is designed to prevent reductions in critical education and other services. State governors must apply for these funds and allocate 81.8 percent of them for education and may direct the remainder, 18.8 percent, toward other government services, which can include education.
What this means for Ohio employers: Educational employment opportunities include those for educators, educational consultants, computer programmers and other IT professionals, suppliers of education materials and equipment, construction workers, and others.
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Energy:
Several grant opportunities are already available through the US Department of Energy (see Monster's Department of Energy page). Additionally, the state has released an outline of other energy projects that will be funded through state and local agencies and organizations. There are funds available for programs that seek to reduce fossil fuel emissions and use, develop renewable energy sources, increase use of Energy Star appliances and to construct and/or retrofit more energy efficient buildings and transportation systems.
Additionally, there is money from the Department of Energy for home weatherization projects in Ohio.
What this means for Ohio employers: A major goal of the US Department of Energy is to increase the development and use of renewable energy sources and reduce the country’s dependence on traditional fossil fuel. Thus, employers who manufacture or supply environmentally friendly or energy efficient products (such as manufacturers and suppliers of products to weatherize homes and buildings) are likely to benefit. Other occupations that could see growth from Recovery Act money include researchers and scientists involved in developing new renewable energy sources, those involved in electrical upgrades and “Smart Grid” technology, and those involved in the manufacture of electrical battery components for hybrid vehicles.
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Existing Projects (with links to bid information):
School Bus Retrofit Grants
The Ohio EPA has additional funds to award to public school districts who apply to the Ohio Clean Diesel School Bus Fund during 2009. The $1.73 million will be added to $900,000 already available this year in funds from other sources. School districts who wish to apply for these funds also should enter a pre-application for their project proposal. School districts should choose the Energy and Environment option under the Federal Stimulus Program and the Emissions Reduction/School Bus Retrofits sub program.
Deadline for applications: September 1, 2009
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June 5, 2009: Economic stimulus funds will be used in Ohio to clean up health hazards in low-income homes.
June 15, 2009: The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) recently awarded over $36.9 million in ARRA funds for construction projects.
For more information, visit the Ohio Recovery website.