County garners $1.8 million for local projects

Funds for seven capital improvement projects in Clermont County were included in the state budget bill passed by the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives the first week of December. Money was set aside for::

Southwest Ohio Development Center, $780,800

- renovation and expansion of the dietary services building; renovation of residential cottages and the program and support center building at the Batavia Township center.

Clermont County Communications Center, $250,000

- expansion of the Bauer Road center in Batavia Township; improve communications capabilities.

East Fork Lake - Ohio Department of Natural Resources, $500,000

- $250,000 East Fork Watercraft - Parks office, $250,000 for operations facilities.

University of Cincinnati Clermont College renovation, $154,181.

- renovation of the lunchroom and student gathering area after the new 44,000-square-foot building is constructed in 2000.

Clermont County Airport, $100,000

- a taxiway will be built to improve safety.

New Richmond Ohio River trail study, $40,000

- the money brings to approximately $210,000 the total collected to study a proposed bike trails along U.S. 52 and the Ohio River.

Bethel-Tate Fire Department safety trailer, $14,000

- the department plans to buy a fire safety trailer to use at schools and community events.