NRAC Clean Ohio Greenspace Conservation Program Applicant Presentations

NRAC Clean Ohio Greenspace Conservation Program Applicant Presentations

several people sitting in a conference room presenting a greenspace conservation project.
A Ross County Parks District team member presents their NRAC Clean Ohio project to be considered for funding in FY23.

 

NRAC Clean Ohio Program Applications Submitted

On Thursday, March 23, 2023, members of the NRAC Clean Ohio Committee met to hear applicant presentations for the first round of FY23 program funding available. Approximately $3.5 million dollars will be awarded to projects this year.

The next NRAC Clean Ohio program meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2023, from 10 am – 12 pm. At this meeting, applications will be scored and recommended for funding.

Meeting access will be available via Zoom online portal. To obtain log in credentials and view the meeting, please contact program coordinator Isaac Dixon, idixon@ovrdc.org or call (740) 947-2853.

The Clean Ohio Fund is a state conservation program through the Ohio Public Works Commission that awards funds to preserve open spaces, sensitive ecological areas, and stream corridors. Last year’s program announcement included funding awards totaling $4,282,778 dollars awarded to projects located in Adams, Fayette, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton Counties.

The Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC), the Ohio Public Works Commission, and the Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) work together to facilitate distribution of the Clean Ohio Fund for Green Space Conservation for District 15 in the following southern Ohio counties: Adams, Brown, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton.

The Clean Ohio fund is unique in that its local nature makes it possible for even small communities in the OVRDC region to create spaces for people to enjoy the outdoors with ranges from large-scale nature preservations to a local city or village park.

Projects presented for FY2023 include applicants Ross County Park District, Vinton County Park District, and from the Arc of Appalachia in Scioto County. The Clean Ohio Program fund was established in 2000 when Ohio voters approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the state to sell bonds and other obligations for the Clean Ohio Program. This program provides grants for open space and watershed conservation, as well as recreational trails.

ARC of Appalachia team member presents their Scioto County project to the committee for consideration of funding.

 

Vinton County Parks District Caleb Appleman presents their NRAC Clean Ohio project to the committee for consideration and possible funding award.