Explanation
Background: The purpose of this ordinance is to give the Director of the Department of Development the authority to enter into 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.
If the JRS grant application is successful, the funds will be used for spec building construction and infrastructure improvements along the Kinnear Road area of the Science and Technology Campus. Development of this key area is an important component of the 315 Research and Technology Corridor initiative in partnership with the City, the Ohio State University, Battelle and the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce. This legislation is submitted as an emergency to meet the JRS program application deadline of July 19, 2006.
Fiscal Impact: No funding is required for this legislation. The City of Columbus will fund the Job Ready Site grant application for an amount of up to $40,000.00. Council authorization for this funding will be requested, under separate legislation, at a future date.
Title
To authorize and direct the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a partnership agreement with the Science and Technology Campus Corporation and to apply for a $5 million Ohio Job Ready Sites Program grant for improvements at the Science and Technology Campus; and to declare an emergency.
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, an emergency exists in the usual daily operation of the Department of Development in that it is immediately necessary to authorize said partnership and 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 and directed to enter into a partnership agreement with the Science and Technology Campus Corporation and to apply for a $5 million Ohio Job Ready Sites Program grant for improvements at the Science and Technology Campus.
Section 2. 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.