Where will the $18M go?

SANDUSKY — For more than a year, a frequent question on the minds of many people related to how Sandusky will spend millions in stimulus dollars. Now there's finally an answer from local officials on dispersing the federal award, aiming to help communities rebound from financial hardships created by COVID-19. During a recent public meeting, high-ranking city administrators presented a plan to commissioners and recommended where these funds should get spent. Since March 2021 — and after learning Sandusky would obtain a little more than $18 million from the American Rescue Plan — city officials constantly consulted among themselves, city stakeholders, residents and other community members about the best uses for this cash. They took their time because of the overall importance. Local officials noted Sandusky was among the hardest-hit communities nationwide affected by COVID-19 due to its enormous economic reliance on tourism. Because of various restrictions and guidelines in place for much of 2020 and 2021, the industry effectively shut down and then faced many setbacks, limiting opportunities for Sandusky, via taxes, to make money. "This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and a one-time revenue source that we are thankful to have," said city manager Eric Wobser, crediting two federal officeholders — U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo — for helping secure this amount for Sandusky. When analyzed in a collective sense, Wobser promised that each project suggested will improve the quality of life for Sandusky's 25,000-plus residents. They'll also benefit the millions of tourists visiting the city each year. "Everything will have a long-term positive impact on the community," Wobser said. This money "touches every bit of the city. Sandusky will feel the impact of these investments for decades to come." Making sense of the dollars and cents Here's a quick look at where Sandusky could direct its share of a little more than $18 million in American Rescue Plan dollars. Note No. 1: These dollars are in addition — or, in other words, won't replace — other revenue sources normally going to city services. For instance, city officials plan on spending money from their local accounts along with expending these federal dollars on road repairs. Note No. 2: These are just recommendations. Commissioners must approve each project on an individual basis. Note No. 3: From the $18 million, city officials already spent/committed about $4 million for various projects previously requiring a contract. This would include street repairs and the forthcoming Justice Center's design. $5.5 million for streets and transportation • Reconstructing, resurfacing and repairing various local roads • Strengthening underpass structures encompassing but not limited to Columbus and Hayes avenues (Ohio 4) $4.7 million for neighborhood revitalization • Executing upon plans to improve the South Side neighborhood • Renovating Churchwell/MacArthur parks • Replacing the Sandusky Skate Park • Rebuilding the tennis courts from Meigs Street to, potentially, the former American Crayon site • Making site improvements to build a recreation center, potentially, at the former American Crayon site • Upgrading the Sandusky Bay Pavilion • Extending the Sandusky Bay Pathway $4.3 million for municipal services and facilities • Upgrading the city's existing fleet, which could include police vehicles and snowplows • Making long-term repairs to city buildings and properties, which could include the Sandusky Greenhouse, Mills Creek Golf Course and Oakland Cemetery • Designing the new Justice Center $3.6 million for community assets (this funding partially covers costs for existing initiatives and/or projects) • Reconstructing the Sandusky State Theatre for $1 million • Setting aside $1 million for affordable housing projects • Beefing up the ferry terminal nearest the Boeckling Building for $870,000 • Renovating the Sandusky Library for $250,000 • Supporting the Sandusky Schools swimming pool project for $250,000 • Committing money to OHgo, Victory Kitchen and Care and Share Dick Brady, the city's ex officio mayor, is prepared to approve every single measure coming before the commission as it relates to committing federal funds on these local projects. "These stimulus dollars provide Sandusky with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to accomplish many of the projects that have been deferred for far too long," Brady said. "I believe that staff has followed the direction of the commission by applying our stimulus dollars across our entire community. About 70% of this $18 million directly impacts our neighborhoods. Every resident, young and old, will be the beneficiary of these dollars."