For immediate release
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Other Highlights Include Bikeways, Safety Cameras and Transformed Maryland Pool
Mayor Michael B. Coleman and 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.
“The renovated Maryland Swimming Pool,” Mayor Coleman said. “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 every corner of Columbus.”
Other proposed investments include:
- $5 million for the Reeb Avenue 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 is scheduled to vote on the proposed budget on April X, following a series of public hearings on the proposed 2012 Capital Improvements Budget.
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 Avenue 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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