City of Akron Passes 2019 Capital Budget Detailing $337 Million Investment in Streets, Parks, Housing, Safety Facilities, Water & Sewer Infrastructure

City of Akron Press Release
From the desk of Ellen Lander Nischt
Published: 02-12-2019

Mayor Dan Horrigan’s plan for the 2019 Capital Investment & Community Development Program, commonly referred to as the “Capital Budget” was approved by Akron City Council yesterday.  The 2019 Capital Budget provides a plan for investments in streets, sidewalks, parks, public facilities, police and fire services, economic development, housing, and water and sewer infrastructure in Akron in the coming year. 

“The 2019 capital budget reflects $337 million in new investment in our infrastructure, neighborhoods, and public facilities that will enhance safety, transportation, housing, and quality of life and set the stage for job creation and population growth,” Mayor Horrigan said. “By efficiently leveraging state and federal funds, we will be able to make a significant impact in 2019, including our catalytic project to completely renovate Main Street downtown.” 

The budget includes $187 million in state funding, $43 million in federal monies and $10 million in regional and private dollars. Local funds of $97 million include $15.4 million generated from Issue 4, the ¼% income tax increase passed in 2017.  Issue 4 funds will be used exclusively to invest in police, fire, and roadway improvements in the City. (A full 2019 Issue 4 budget is available here.)

Highlights of the 2019 Capital Budget include:

• $60 million in transportation projects, including $13.5 million for the TIGER grant-funded Main Street Corridor Project, $7.6 million for the Evans Avenue Bridge, and $7 million to address deteriorated streets under the local resurfacing program. 

• Economic development projects, including $11.4 million to reconstruct Romig Road and $3.1 million for the new Firestone Business Park.

• $5 million for the completion of Fire Station #2 and Fire Station #4 .

• Federally-mandated environmental enhancements, including $91 million for combined sewer upgrades and $43 million in improvements to the Water Reclamation Facility.

• $4.3 million in new vehicles for Police, Fire, and Public Works, including $1.2 million for a new 100 ft. fire ladder truck

• $250,000 for additional snow & ice removal equipment.

• $900,000 for housing & commercial building demolitions..

• $550,000 to establish a fund for a new Akron police station to replace the aging Stubbs Justice Center.

• $300,000 to continue engagement of Akron residents through the Akron Parks Challenge competitive grant program.  Grant awards in 2018 went to Cadillac Triangle, Chestnut Ridge, and Reservoir Park.

• $250,000 of community development funds to construct two water splash pads in North and South Akron neighborhoods.

• $900,000 in support of Great Streets Akron, including capital improvements and façade grants to eligible businesses.

For further information, contact:
Ellen Lander Nischt
Press Secretary / Assistant Director of Law
Phone: 330-375-2325
E-mail: [email protected]