Explanation
Background: Ordinance No. 1191-2006 authorized a partnership agreement with the Science and Technology Campus Corporation (SciTech) to apply for a $5 million Ohio Job Ready Sites (JRS) Program grant to benefit the Science and Technology Campus.
The Ohio JRS Program was developed as a result of the $2 billion public works and economic development bond package approved by Ohio voters on November 8, 2005. It allows for grant applications of up to $5 million per project for large impact projects leading to designation as an Ohio Certified Site, guaranteeing minimum standards for new business investment projects. Grant funds can be used for, but are not limited to, infrastructure improvements, building demolition and construction, and brownfield remediation.
This legislation will authorize the payment of $40,000 to the Science and Technology Campus Corporation for the costs associated with the Job Ready Site grant application.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is available within the Development Department, General Fund.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of the Department of Development to make payment to the Science and Technology Campus Corporation for the costs associated with the Job Ready Site grant application; to authorize the expenditure of $40,000 from the General Fund; and to declare an emergency. ($40,000)
Body
Whereas, Ohio voters approved a $2 billion public works and economic development bond package on November 8, 2005; and
Whereas, the Ohio Job Ready Sites Program was created as a result of the aforementioned bond package, allowing for grant applications from Ohio communities for, but not limited to, infrastructure improvements, building demolition and construction, and brownfield remediation; and
Whereas, the maximum amount that can be applied for under the Job Ready Sites Program is $5 million; and
Whereas, the City of Columbus, in partnership with the Ohio State University, Battelle and the Greater Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce desires to further the initiatives of Columbus' 315 Research and Technology Corridor to bring research and technology oriented jobs to the area; and
Whereas, the Science and Technology Campus, along Kinnear Road, is part of Columbus' 315 Research and Technology Corridor and is in need of funding to develop spec buildings and infrastructure that qualify under the Job Ready Sites Program; and
Whereas, the Science and Technology Campus Corporation oversees the day-to-day operations and development of the Science and Technology Campus; and
Whereas, the Department of Development desires to partner with the Science and Technology Campus Corporation to help further the interests of the Science and Technology Campus and the larger 315 Research and Technology Corridor of Columbus; and
Whereas, the City of Columbus, Development Department will reimburse the Science and Technology Campus Corporation up to $40,000 for costs associated with the Job Ready Site grant application; and
Whereas, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize said payment for costs associated with the grant application, all for the preservation of public health, peace, property, safety and welfare; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is authorized to make payment to the Science and Technology Campus Corporation for costs associated with the Job Ready site grant application.
Section 2. That the expenditure of $40,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, be and is hereby authorized from the Development Department, Division No. 44-01, General Fund, Fund 010, Object Level Three 3336, OCA 440307.
Section 3. That for reasons stated in the preamble hereto, which is hereby made a part hereof, this ordinance is declared to be an emergency measure and shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage and approval by the Mayor or ten days after passage if the Mayor neither approves nor vetoes the same.