Downtown Columbus trails among projects getting state $
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A new orchestra performance hall and bike trail into downtown Columbus are among the projects funded by this year's state capital budget.
Why it matters: The bipartisan, $3.5 billion capital budget supports hundreds of education, infrastructure, and cultural projects in every county of the state.
- Earmarks range from a nine-figure renovation of the state fairgrounds to more modest community improvements, like $100,000 to renovate Franklin County 4-H barns and $400,000 toward a Grove City playground.
🚲 Heritage Trail expansion, $8 million
The trail currently runs six miles from downtown Hilliard to just outside of Plain City, but the plan is to connect it with downtown Columbus.
What they're saying: The Metro Parks system, Franklin County, and five different communities are working together to extend the "perfect, flat trail," Metro Parks executive director Tim Moloney tells Axios.
- It will eventually pass through Hilliard, Upper Arlington, Marble Cliff, and Grandview Heights before ending up in Columbus' Arena District, he says.
- Various connector points are planned along the way, including Quarry Trails Metro Park.
- Moloney urges patience, as land acquisition and construction will likely take a few years.
Yes, but: Moloney says he also applied for state funding to support other projects like the new Great Southern Metro Park but was turned down.
- Construction will continue without the funding, he adds.
🎻 Columbus Symphony Orchestra, $18.5 million
The orchestra wants to build a dedicated performance space after years of sharing the Ohio Theatre stage.
- The estimated $275 million music hall is planned for a city-owned site near COSI, the Dispatch reports.
Other funded projects of note:
- $20 million for Columbus State Community College toward improved STEM training in semiconductors, electric vehicles, and "other manufacturing industries," per House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington).
- $10 million for the Downtown Capital Line, a two-mile "urban pathway" meant to boost pedestrian and bicycle travel.
- $7.5 million for John Glenn International Airport improvements. The airport plans to build a bigger terminal and parking garage.
- $400,000 for the Linden Green Line. The unique "linear park" will span seven miles of abandoned rail space.