May 23, 2024

Rep. Sykes Announces 15 Local Projects In Ohio’s 13th Congressional District To Advance In Community Project Funding Process

Project requests would bring over $38.1 million back to local communities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the 15 community projects in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District totaling $38,123,166 she has submitted for consideration in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 appropriations bill.

“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 adopts later this year.

In the Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding process, Rep. Sykes successfully secured more than $14.9 million for local projects in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District. 

Listed below is a summary 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 Project: $1,500,000

  • The City of Barberton would use this funding to install new IT, security and AV equipment throughout the Police Department section of the Barberton Justice Center.

“On behalf of the City of Barberton, I would like to thank Congresswoman Sykes for her request of $1.5 million in FY25 Community Project Funding for the Barberton Justice Center Technology and Equipment Project,” said William B. Judge, Mayor of Barberton. “The renovation of our obsolete Justice Center into a modern and efficient facility is a long-time coming, and this funding will support our ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of not just Barberton’s residents, but over 105,000 people  that live throughout the Barberton Municipal Court District and Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.”

Clinton Road Rehabilitation Project: $1,124,966

  • The Village of Clinton would use this funding to reconstruct Clinton Road from Cleveland Massillon Road (west end) 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 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.

Cromer Water Storage Reservoir Demolition and Replacement Project: $2,000,000

  • The City of Canton would use this funding to demolish the currently deteriorating Cromer Reservoir and replace it with a new, engineered, efficient storage reservoir in its place.

"The City of Canton is excited to learn that Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, who continues to support projects within the city of Canton, has chosen the Cromer Water Storage Reservoir Replacement Project as one of her Community Project Funding requests.   The Cromer Water Storage Reservoir is a 100-year-old, 15 million gallon concrete structure that is in need of replacement.  Receipt of this funding and replacement of the reservoir will serve to improve water quality and safety, water pressure, emergency storage capacity, and firefighting capacity for Canton and the surrounding community,” said William V. Sherer II, Mayor of Canton.

Cuyahoga Falls Regional Fire Training Facility: $10,000,000

  • The City of Cuyahoga Falls would use this funding to replace one of its aging fire stations with a new, modern fire station that will serve the expanding community for the next several decades. As part of this plan, the Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department (CFFD) would construct a regional fire training facility on the site, providing the CFFD and other local safety forces with the ability to perform essential emergency training. 

"The City of Cuyahoga Falls is grateful for the continued support from Representative Emilia Sykes. We appreciate the impact she has on our great city and her commitment to it. We look forward to continuing to work with Rep. Sykes," said Don Walters, Mayor of Cuyahoga Falls.

Downtown Akron Main Street Project: $5,000,000

  • The City of Akron would use this funding to revitalize Akron’s Main Street through pavement construction with concrete curbs and sidewalks, new lighting and traffic signals, and aesthetic/landscaping treatments.

“I thank Congresswoman Emilia Sykes for her continued support of our downtown revitalization," 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. After years of renewed investment into this corridor, Main Street is finally coming back strong and vibrant. These funds are vital to make that transformation complete and best serve Akron’s quickly growing economic heart.”

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.

"The East Copley project will help address public safety needs and encourage economic growth and redevelopment while ensuring equity and improved quality of life in one of Akron’s unique but underserved neighborhoods," said Shammas Malik, Mayor of Akron. "Not only was the East Copley district called out in our local metropolitan planning organization’s Safe Streets for All action plan, but it is also next to our Reconnecting Communities planning study area: Akron’s Innerbelt freeway (SR59).  The requested funding will accelerate implementation of critical safety infrastructure changes, attract new private investment that lifts up the neighborhood, and other initiatives to improve safety to the corridor and will complement Akron's efforts to make strong neighborhood connections. I thank Congresswoman Sykes for her helping us make our communities safer and more equitable."

Glen Chamberlin Park Improvement Study: $938,000

  • 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.

“The renovation of park pavilions, a walkable nature bridge, improvements to the playground area and integration of sustainable park benches at Glen Chamberlin Park,  resonate deeply with the needs and aspirations of our community. These enhancements will not only elevate the aesthetic appeal of our park but also foster a more inclusive, accessible and environmentally sustainable public space for residents and visitors of all ages to enjoy,” said Jennifer Betenson, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Twinsburg.

Guise Park Lodge Renovation Project: $750,000

  • The City of Munroe Falls would use this funding to renovate the Guise Park Lodge, including constructing a new roof and ADA compliant restrooms and kitchen. 

“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.

Hudson Inclusive Playground: $850,000

  • The City of Hudson would use this funding to create a fully accessible playground without limitations for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

“A truly inclusive playground means everyone is a part of the play with peers of all abilities. The Hudson Inclusive Playground will be one of the finest in Summit County and we hope will be enjoyed by all that visit the park. When you truly have inclusion in the parks for children with all abilities, the joys and memories of childhood will shine for years to come!” said Thomas J. Sheridan, Hudson City Manager.

Ohio and Erie Canal Heritage Area Restoration Project: $1,500,000

  • The Stark County Park District would use this funding to make key improvements to the canal towpath, including repaving the trail to allow easier access for people with disabilities and seniors, and upgrading the parking lot and canal facilities. 

“Stark Parks is very excited about the potential to make such an important improvement to the Ohio and Erie Canal Heritage Area. These improvements would facilitate economic development in the Canal Fulton area and are critical to ensuring our facilities are accessible to the public. We are very grateful to Congresswoman Sykes and her office for their help in pursuing funding to make this much needed project a reality,” said Daniel J. Moeglin, P.E., Executive Director of Stark Parks. 

Peninsula Sanitary Sewer Collection and Treatment Facilities: $3,000,000

  • The Village of Peninsula would use this funding to bring sanitary sewer facilities to the Village of Peninsula, which is located right in the middle of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

“I’d like to thank Congresswoman Sykes for her continued support of Summit County and our continued efforts to address water quality in one of the crown jewels of our region,” said Ilene Shapiro, Summit County Executive.

Reservoir Park Restoration Project: $1,280,000

  • The Reservoir Park Restoration project aims to reduce soil erosion,  improve water quality, and reduce damage caused by floods. Furthermore, the project will improve safety along the adjacent walking path along the streambank where active soil erosion is occurring whilst simultaneously reintroducing Reservoir Parks pond and renovating the adjacent pumphouse. This project will have a long-lasting positive impact on the community by enhancing the well-being of the community, preserving natural resources, and fostering a sense of pride in our Parks system.

“The City of Massillon would use this funding to address the numerous environmental concerns, the ongoing safety concerns along the walking path and enhance the park’s biodiversity, ecosystem sustainability and aesthetic appeal bringing forth a sense of togetherness within our community,” said Jamie Slutz, Mayor of Massillon.

Rosemont Preserve Restoration Project: $6,975,200

  • The City of Fairlawn would use this funding to construct stream restoration wetland floodplain improvements, as well as removing one low head and one 10-foot high dam. 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.

"We can’t thank Congresswoman Sykes enough for supporting the regionally significant Rosemont Preserve Project.  The former Rosemont Country Club will become a passive use preserve to manage and control stormwater which assists downstream communities while also providing a beautiful open space.  The project will include walking trails, reforestation, ecological improvements to Schocalog Run Creek, and enhance the quality of life for the entire region," said Russell T. Sharnsky, Mayor of Fairlawn.

Silver Lake Water Main Improvement Project: $705,000 

  • The Village of Silver Lake would use this funding to install a new eight-foot water main line connecting two existing isolated systems serving residential properties. The project would improve water quality, increase fire protection, and expand the service area. 

“The Silver Lake water looping project involves the installation of an 8" water main to connect two previously isolated water systems. This connection will bring significant benefits to residents, including improved water quality, enhanced reliability, and better fire pressure protection, ensuring a more robust and resilient infrastructure for the community,” said Therese Dunphy, Mayor of Silver Lake.

Village of Boston Heights Safety Center: $1,500,000

  • The Village of Boston Heights would use this funding to 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.

“This vital funding will allow us to construct a new and expanded 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 recruitment/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 wellbeing of our residents for years to come,” said Ron Antal, Mayor of Village of Boston Heights.