COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that Ohio has received the $8.5 million programmed for the Ohio National Guard in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The Governor had previously announced the National Guard projects selected to be funded through ARRA.
"This portion of President Obama's stimulus is specifically designed to improve the overall readiness of the Ohio National Guard while spurring Ohio's economy," Strickland said. "The projects selected to receive funds will help modernize National Guard facilities and reduce energy costs for the state."
According to Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio's adjutant general, "Some of the 22 projects will be fully funded through ARRA funds, while others will use federal dollars to match previously appropriated capital improvement funds, thereby stretching our capital budget."
In addition to replacing failing roofs and inefficient windows, doors and plumbing systems, ARRA will fund Ohio National Guard renewable energy projects, installing solar panels at locations in Columbus, Toledo and at the Camp Ravenna Training and Logistics Site in Newton Falls. These projects will save the National Guard approximately $78,000 within the first year of completion, and provide energy savings of about 500,000 Kilowatt hours per year.
"The economic assistance that we receive for these projects will allow us to improve our infrastructure and continue to be ready to respond when called with ready units," added Wayt.