Bedfordtimesregister.com - Portage Lakes State Park to get funds for water well equipment

by Marc Kovac

Capital Bureau Chief

The state Controlling Board released $51,700 April 21 for iron-removal in a water system at Portage Lakes State Park.

Clemson Excavating Inc. of Chardon is handling the project, which involves the installation of water well equipment in a building in the Old State Park area.

According to documents, "While water from the present system is safe for use, the additional iron removal process will result in improved taste and odor while significantly reducing staining of plumbing fixtures."

The project is expected to be completed by September.

Additionally, the board approved about $50,000 in increased spending authority for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to pay for staff expenses related to the planning, design and construction of capital improvements at various state parks.

The total included more than $7,000 for dump station and wastewater improvements at Mosquito Lake State Park, according to documents.

KSU among schools to receive controlling board dollars

The Board also approved several requests related to projects at Kent State University, including $42,000 for the purchase of 0.09 acres at 519 E. Fourth St. in East Liverpool from James and Kathleen Treasure.

The lot will be used for parking at the Columbiana County campus.

It had an appraised value of $41,900, according to a report prepared by the St. George Appraisal Service in East Liverpool.

The board also OK'd the release of $35,500 for a roof replacement and parapets repair at Satterfield Hall in Kent. The funds go toward professional design services, to be completed by Chambers, Murphy and Burge Restoration Architects of Akron.

Additionally, the board released $219,425 for stone repairs at the Kent campus' Library building. According to documents, "Due to age and weathering the limestone accents along the overhanging third floor have began to crack and fall, creating a serious safety issue for pedestrians and maintenance workers."

The failing stone will be replaced with "a lightweight, fiber-reinforced mock-stone system," according to documents.

Grunwell-Cashero Co. of Cleveland is handling the work.

Finally, the board OK'd the release of $98,911.30 for restroom renovations at the Ashtabula Main Hall. According to documents, "The work will include the replacement of the existing plumbing fixtures and toilet compartments, and the upgrade of the walls, floors, ceilings and lights. In addition, the restrooms will be modified to be meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act."

SM Wood Co. of Rock Creek is handling the work.

Marc Kovac is the Dix Newspapers Capital Bureau chief. E-mail him at mkovac@dixcom.com.