$746K to benefit 15 local projects

VERMILION — Tourism revenue is creating new opportunities for meaningful investment in communities across Erie County. The newly created Economic Development, Public Safety, Infrastructure and Community Convention and Visitors Bureau recently announced the recipients of its inaugural grant cycle, awarding $745,700 to 15 projects in the community. This grant is aimed at: • Reinvesting the lodging tax revenue into projects that improve infrastructure • Strengthening public safety • Encouraging economic development • Enhancing communities throughout the county The grant program is funded through the third and fourth percentage points of Erie County's lodging tax, which was made possible through legislation championed by state Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green. The grant awards will support projects in communities across Erie County, including the cities of Huron, Sandusky and Vermilion; the villages of Berlin Heights, Castalia, Kelleys Island and Milan; and the townships of Margaretta and Oxford. Projects include investments in public infrastructure, recreation, historic preservation, community facilities and public safety. The convention and visitors bureau "was founded with the mission of making meaningful investments for the benefit of our community," said bureau board chairman Caleb Stidham, who also serves as Erie County's treasurer. "This first round of grants reflects a diverse set of projects that will invest in safety, enhance place and improve infrastructure for residents and guests," Stidham added. "We appreciate the partnership with our local governments, nonprofits and private sector leaders in supporting these projects." Who's getting what The board was pleased with the strong response and quality of applications received during the inaugural grant cycle. All submissions provided valuable insight into community needs across Erie County and helped identify future opportunities for investment through the grant program. Applications were evaluated based on community impact, project readiness, financial feasibility and alignment with EPIC's mission. Among this year's recipients: $100,000 awards • Chevy Tahoe purchases for the Erie County Sheriff's Office • Harbourtown Fine Arts Center renovations in Vermilion • Safety camera initaitive for Sandusky police • Parking lot upgrades at Community Park on Kelleys Island $65,700 award • Main Street beach stage installation in Vermilion $50,000 awards • Lighting upgrades at the Huron Boat Basin • Parking lot improvements at Sherod Park in Vermilion • Monument for Civil War soldiers and sailors in Milan Township $25,000 awards • Lions Park Field C upgrades in Castalia/Margaretta Township • Handicap accessible restrooms project in Oxford Township Hall • Memorial Park renovations in Berlin Heights • Safer sidewalks to school and a storm-liner project in Castalia • Thomas Edison water tower logo installation in Milan $5,000 awards • Mural installation at the Milan American Legion Post 527 The board extends its appreciation to all organizations and communities that submitted applications and contributed to the success of this first funding cycle. People can call annaj@eriecounty.oh.gov