COLUMBUS, Ohio – The state has awarded $945,802 to both Bowling Green State University and Owens Community College for campus safety grants and renovations, which were approved at Monday’s State Controlling Board meeting.
“As a member of the House Finance Committee, I proudly supported the legislation through its committee process and supported it to get it over the finish line at the Statehouse,” said Ohio Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, R-Perrysburg. “Because of the passage of this funding, we’re seeing positive improvements to our local colleges, including funding that will ultimately improve the security on campuses to protect and provide the proper safety of our students, employees and visitors.”
The funding for these initiatives comes from House Bill 687, which Ghanbari cosponsored and supported on the House floor. The allocations for the colleges include the following:
· BGSU – Campus Safety Grant Program – $278,075
· BGSU – Renovations and Infrastructure Replacement – $490,144
· Owens Community College – Campus Safety Grant Program – $177,583
Gov. Mike DeWine said that 33 colleges and universities in Ohio received a total of $5 million in funding for security projects that enhance the safety of students and staff.
“These funds will go directly toward helping our institutions of higher education become more secure,” DeWine said. “The importance of campus safety cannot be overstated, and Ohio is committed to supporting efforts that keep our colleges and universities safe.”
The grant awards are part of the 2022 Campus Safety Grant Program, which was funded with support from the Ohio legislature in Senate Bill 310 of the 133rd General Assembly. The Ohio School Safety Center, which is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety, reviewed the campus safety grant applications in consultation with the Ohio Department of Higher Education.
Funds will be used to cover expenses associated with physical security enhancements such as security cameras, door locks, alarms, public address systems and metal detectors.
“Part of preparing students for future success is ensuring they feel safe on their campuses,” said Ohio Department of Education Chancellor Randy Gardner. “Through these grants, the DeWine-Husted Administration continues to focus on helping our colleges and universities provide for the safest learning environments possible.”
To be eligible for grant funding, colleges and universities conducted a security and vulnerability assessment to identify areas in need of safety enhancements.
