Rep. Sykes Announces 15 Local Projects in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District to Advance in Community Project Funding Process
Project requests would bring over $41.1 million back to local communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the 15 community projects in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District she has submitted for consideration in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) appropriation bill. Many of the projects were from the FY25 Community Funding Process. Unfortunately, due to actions by the Republican Congress, these projects were not included in the Continuing Resolution passed in March and were not able to receive funding and had to be resubmitted.
“I’m proud to submit these 15 local projects that would bring millions of taxpayer dollars back to Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sykes. “From clean drinking water to public safety, to roads and spurring economic development in our neighborhoods, these projects reflect the needs of our communities and would make life better for people in our district. Over the next few months, I’ll keep working to pass a responsible federal budget that includes funding for these vital priorities.”
Each year, members of Congress can submit up to 15 projects to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration to receive specialized federal funding that is included in the appropriations bills that Congress passes annually to fund the federal government. The Community Project Funding process allows members of Congress to work closely with community partners and stakeholders to identify projects of regional importance.
The House Appropriations Committee will now review each project to determine which project submissions will ultimately be included in the appropriations bills that Congress will consider later this year.
Listed below are summaries of the 15 projects Rep. Sykes has submitted to the House Appropriations Committee, along with quotes from the sponsoring organizations. Projects are listed in alphabetical order:
City of Barberton Justice Center Technology and Equipment: $1,500,000
The Barberton Police Department is responsible for protecting nearly 25,000 residents, as well as thousands of others who work and visit the City of Barberton. Currently, the Police Department portion of the new Barberton Justice Center is in significant need of technological upgrades. As part of the project, the city will use this funding to install new IT, security, and audio-visual equipment throughout the police department. This new equipment will replace aging and outdated technology and provide the Barberton Police Department with technology and equipment that the city has not previously been able to afford.
Cleveland Ave NW Rehabilitation Project: $2,800,000
The City of Canton is looking to improve Cleveland Avenue NW between 12th and 15th Streets, which supports a retail area, several residential neighborhoods, schools, medical facilities, social gathering locations, and serves as the site of part of the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Parade route, which draws thousands of visitors to the city every year. Currently, this area is not safe for pedestrians and multimodal transportation due to high speeds, traffic congestion, and sidewalks in poor condition. The project will improve multimodal safety along the road by improving transit stops, reducing the number of vehicle lanes, reconstructing the sidewalks, adding a five-foot safety buffer between the walks and roadway, and adding landscaping trees which provide shade and improve the area aesthetics.
"The City of Canton is grateful for Congresswoman Emilia Sykes' continued support of important projects within the City of Canton. The Cleveland Avenue NW Streetscape Project would improve safety and multimodal access along one of the City's primary corridors. Receipt of this funding is critical to this project," said Canton Mayor William V. Sherer II
Clinton Road Rehabilitation Project: $1,550,000
The Village of Clinton would use this funding to reconstruct Clinton Road from Cleveland Massillon Road and run approximately 2,600 linear feet east to 2995 Clinton Road. Reconstruction includes full reconstruction and resurfacing, including base repair and standard pavement build up. The project will also increase the travel lanes from 9 feet to 12 feet to address the safety factor. Storm water will also be addressed, keeping the rainwater off of the pavement. Clinton's Warwick Industrial Park is home to nine businesses and over 60 jobs. These companies need the road to be updated for their trucking and transport needs.
"The Clinton Road project is a crucial full pavement reconstruction and resurfacing initiative aimed at enhancing durability and safety, including essential drainage improvements to improve safety and prevent stormwater damage. This vital upgrade ensures reliable access to state route 21 and the interstate system, significantly benefiting over 60 employees and multiple businesses reliant on this critical route," said Bud McDaniel, Mayor of Clinton.
Cuyahoga Falls Water Treatment Plant Softener Building Replacement: $12,300,000
The City of Cuyahoga Falls’ 100+ year-old water treatment facility has outlived its useful life and must be upgraded. This facility consists of a 90-year-old water softener building, a century old pump building, a laboratory, and eight Ion Exchange softeners and high service pumps. This project will replace each of these buildings, the water softening systems, and the high service pumps to provide a better, more consistent, and more reliable drinking water system for the communities of Cuyahoga Falls, the Village of Silver Lake, and the Village of Munroe Falls.
“The Guise Park Lodge is a quaint and popular rental facility in the main city park of Munroe Falls. It is in high demand for gatherings that seek to base themselves in this gem of green space in the city center. This funding would be transformative. Amenities will be improved to the next level by enhancing accessibility for those with mobility limitations and all facilities will be upgraded and modernized to ensure a comfortable and safe visit to Guise Park Lodge by all! Thank you, Congresswoman Emilia Sykes!" said Allen Mavrides, Mayor of Munroe Falls.
Downtown Akron Main Street Project: $6,000,000
This project will revitalize Main Street through pavement construction with concrete curbs and sidewalks, new lighting and traffic signals, and landscaping treatments. The layout will include bike lanes, upgraded pedestrian crossings with bump outs where possible, parking lanes, bus stops, and one lane in each direction for vehicular traffic with turn pockets. In addition, underground conduits will be placed to facilitate the city of Akron's communication and traffic control system, and future private fiber companies. This expands the efficiency of the city’s pre-emption system for emergency vehicles and will keep its traffic signals running efficiently. With on-going interest from various fiber optic companies, extra conduits will keep new improvements in good condition. This funding request and project will make an important impact on the future of downtown Akron and the individuals who frequent this area for work, home or entertainment. This section of Main Street includes Bounce Innovation Hub, the AES Building, GOJO, and Canal Place. It also hosts retail, apartments and includes a local brewery, sand volleyball courts, and access to the Towpath Trail making easy access to the street critical for the inhabitants of Akron.
“I thank Congresswoman Emilia Sykes for her continued support of the City of Akron specifically on these efforts for Main St. and Copley Road." said Shammas Malik, Mayor of Akron. "This last phase of Main Street will fulfill Akron’s vision of a renewed downtown core, a thriving place to live, work, and play and by putting resources into the Copley Road Corridor, it will help with traffic calming, pedestrian safety and benefit small businesses in one of Akron’s most dense neighborhoods.”
East Copley District Safe and Vibrant Streets Study: $1,000,000
The City of Akron would use this funding to conduct a study to improve safety and economic development opportunities within the East Copley District and adjacent corridors in Akron. The study would identify specific safety issues, recommend evidence-based countermeasures, and implement select improvements. This project focuses on improving safety and economic development opportunities within the East Copley District and adjacent key corridors in Akron. These corridors include Copley Road (I-77 to South Portage Path/Diagonal Road), South Maple Street (Diagonal Road/South Portage Path to West Exchange Street), Diagonal Road (Superior Avenue to Copley Road/South Maple Street), and West Exchange Street (Rhodes Avenue to Rand Street). The district itself boasts a unique location near prominent landmarks like John R. Buchtel High School, the historic Simon Perkins Mansion, the John Brown House, Perkins Park, and the Akron Zoo.
Glen Chamberlin Park Improvement Study: $1,271,200
The City of Twinsburg would use this funding to renovate Glen Chamberlin Park, including replacing the 30-year-old walkable bridge and nature access, and upgrading playground equipment to be more accessible for people with disabilities. Glen Chamberlin Park is one of the city's oldest and most visited parks. With aging amenities, this project seeks to create a modern, welcoming, safe and accessible environment for individuals and families to enjoy recreational activities, connect with nature and foster a sense of community. This project will demolish and replace multiple end of life picnic pavilions, demolish and replace the over 30 year old walkable bridge and nature access, replace 32 year old playground equipment, replace 12 deteriorating wooden benches, replace 6 deteriorating wooden trash receptacles, and add 4 new recycling/trash combination units.
“We are excited to pursue this grant opportunity as part of our ongoing commitment to improving community spaces. Upgrading our park facilities will provide a more welcoming and inclusive environment for families, youth, and residents of all ages. Investing in our parks is an investment in the well-being, connection, and future of our community,” said Jennifer Betenson, Director of Parks and Recreation.
Munroe Falls, Guise Park Lodge Renovation Project: $450,000
The City of Munroe Falls has plans to renovate Guise Park Lodge and grounds, which were built in 1957. The lodge desperately needs a new roof as well as enhanced handicapped and senior access with ADA compliant restrooms, kitchen area and additional ADA accessible walkways and a parking space. The project also includes a small outdoor patio accessible patio and pavilion for use by visitors to the park and lodge facilities.
Ohio and Erie Canal Heritage Area Restoration Project: $1,500,000
The Canal Fulton area of the Ohio & Erie Canal National Heritage Area is an extremely important asset to Stark County and the overall region. This project is made up of a series of key improvements that are needed to sustain this area of the canal for the future. The towpath is part of National Bike Route 21 and State Bike Route 1 with the current trail surface being made of limestone. This project will pave the trail with asphalt to allow easier access for people with disabilities and seniors while creating a more resilient surface that will not require content maintenance and upkeep. The project will also include upgrading the parking lot, an accessible kayak launch dock, and ADA accessible restrooms.
“We are very grateful to Congresswoman Sykes and her office for their help in pursuing funding to Improve Stark Parks and the Ohio and Erie Canal Heritage Area. Stark Parks is working hard to develop and take care of our facilities. If funded, these improvements would do that as well as improve accessibility of the parks and facilitate economic development in the Canal Fulton area,” said Daniel J. Moeglin, P.E., Executive Director of Stark Parks.
Peninsula Sanitary Sewer Collection and Treatment Facilities: $5,000,000
The Peninsula Sanitary Sewer Collection and Treatment Facilities project will enable the County of Summit Department of Sanitary Sewer Services to bring much-needed sanitary sewer facilities to the Village of Peninsula, which is located right in the middle of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP). The County and Village have been working in earnest since 2021 to develop a centralized sewer collection and treatment system for the Village, including obtaining a Preliminary Engineering Report in 2022. The project, which will provide the critical infrastructure necessary for the health of the Cuyahoga River and the continued vibrancy of the CVNP. Without this project, harmful discharges will continue to pose serious environmental and health concerns for residents and visitors alike, and the village that serves as the gateway to CVNP will likely be forced to close its businesses.
Reservoir Park Restoration Project: $2,250,192
The Reservoir Park Restoration Project responds to urgent environmental concerns and deteriorating infrastructure within Reservoir Park, aligning with the overarching mission of the Natural Resources Conservation Service to safeguard and enhance the nation's natural resources. Following a mandate issued by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 2017, which necessitated the removal of a pre-existing dam, the previous pond has changed into a stream. This alteration has led to sedimentation issues and the loss of vital wildlife habitats, in the form of aquatic life, highlighting the pressing need for intervention.
“This funding will allow the City of Massillon to address numerous environmental and safety concerns along the Reservoir’s walking path, and will enhance the park’s biodiversity, ecosystem sustainability, and aesthetic appeal. Reservoir Park is the most used park in our system and is enjoyed by people of all ages. We thank Congresswoman Sykes’ for submitting the Reservoir Restoration Project for Community Project Funding and for her continued support for the communities in her district,” said Jamie Slutz, Mayor of Massillon.
Rosemont Preserve Restoration Project: $1,200,000
The Rosemont Preserve represents 62 acres of new open space and 3,300 feet of Schocalog Run steam’s main channel. Within the recently released Biological and Water Quality Study of Tuscarawas River and Select Tributaries by the Ohio EPA, Schocalog Run’s ecological community ranged from poor to fair and the habitat quality was also “poor”, reaching QHEI scores just in the mid 30s, which were among the lowest three habitat scores of the entire 93 habitat assessments conducted in the study area. The Rosemont Preserve Restoration Project will restore over 9,000 linear feet of Schocalog Run’s stream channel, 30 acres of flood controlling wetlands, and remove one low head and one 10-foot high dam, which will restore fish passage. These changes will mitigate flooding and diminish downstream erosion in Copley, Norton, and Barberton which frequently grapple with flooding issues in the Pigeon & Wolf Creek Watersheds. This project will also restore 12% of the entire Schocalog Run from a ditch to a two-stage stream, making this stream segment a warm water habitat and promote biodiversity.
"We are so fortunate to have Congresswoman Sykes embrace our vision and support our goal for the Rosemont Preserve Project. This passive use preserve will transform the region in many ways. The downstream flood control, enhanced water quality, world class natural landscape and fully functional trail system will have a strong sense of community while also providing a large ecological lift that improves the quality of life for residents and nature as a whole," said Mayor Russell T. Sharnsky. said Russell T. Sharnsky, Mayor of Fairlawn.
Silver Lake Water Main Improvement Project: $725,223
The Village of Silver Lake is looking to install a new water main connecting two existing isolated systems serving residential properties. Currently, if there is a break in the water line or if there is a loss in pressure, every house down the line could experience a complete loss of water access until repairs can be made, which can sometimes take days. With the new water main connecting these isolated systems, a redundancy is created that would allow water pressure and service to remain active during a break. Redundant systems also have increased fire fighting pressure that is unavailable in isolated systems. It will also increase the water quality at the ends of the systems as there will be less stagnant water in the system. Approximately 1900 LF of water main will be installed, along with four new fire hydrants and three new lateral service lines.
Tallmadge Circle Pedestrian Tunnel Project: $2,100,000
The City of Tallmadge is seeking to undertake a critical infrastructure project to significantly improve pedestrian accessibility and safety at the iconic 4.5-acre Historic Tallmadge Circle. This historic park, home to the nationally registered Tallmadge Historic Church, is located within the busiest traffic circle in Northeast Ohio. The circle is a complex intersection of eight public roadways, including State Routes SR-91 and SR-261, and seven private access driveways. Currently, this intersection is rated as an "F-" in terms of traffic flow within Summit County, posing significant challenges and safety risks for pedestrians attempting to access the park. The proposed project involves the construction of a dedicated pedestrian tunnel beneath the roadway connecting Northwest and West Avenues.
“This project is key to Tallmadge's vision for a safer, more connected future. The pedestrian tunnel at Tallmadge Circle is about safety and unlocking the full potential of our city’s historic heart. We sincerely thank Congresswoman Emilia Sykes for advocating for this vital initiative and for requesting the FY25 Community Project Funding. This funding is absolutely crucial to making this a reality,” said Tallmadge Mayor Carol Kilway.
Village of Boston Heights Safety Center: $1,500,000
The funding will support the design and construction of the new Village of Boston Heights Safety Center, providing space for both the police and fire departments. This includes the full renovation of the existing 7,500 square foot fire station and an addition of 14,700 square foot. The program will include code-compliant fire department apparatus bays, eliminating the risk of carcinogens, a police detainee process that is safe for both the officers and citizens, and a facility that creates a safe environment for community wide events. The village is looking to combine its fire and police stations into one facility, which will require extensive expansion and renovation. The village's police department currently operates in the basement of the 100+ year old town hall and is in desperate need of additional space.
“This vital funding will allow us to construct a new Safety Center, providing much-needed space and resources for both our police and fire departments to better serve our community. Our current facilities are outdated and inadequate to meet the growing needs of our village. A modern Safety Center will greatly enhance our first responders' ability to efficiently coordinate operations and respond to emergencies. It will also offer a safe and functional workspace, improving morale and aiding in the recruitment and retention of our dedicated public safety personnel. We are grateful for Congresswoman Sykes’ advocacy on this issue of critical importance to Boston Heights. Securing this federal funding through the Community Project process will have a profoundly positive impact on the safety and well-being of our residents for years to come,” said Ron Antal, Mayor of Village of Boston Heights.