Ray’s Report to the People, June 2009
Rep. Ray Pryor’s Report to the People
“Ohio is the top state for alternative energy investment” – The Conway New Plant Report
And fortunately, enterprising leaders around the state aren’t stopping at number one. American Electric Power <www.aep.com> plans to add 1,000 megawatts of new wind energy by 2011. And one of their subsidiaries, Appalachian Power Co. <www.appalachianpower.com> has forged a 20-year agreement <www.aep.com/newsroom/newsreleases/?id=1489> to purchase renewable wind energy from a wind farm, Beech Ridge Energy, LLC. They will purchase between 100 and 147 megawatts in the first phase from the wind farm, which is expected to be up and running by March 31, 2010. AEP has additional requests out for up to 600 megawatts of renewable energy.
Additionally, Rotek Incorporated’s <www.rotek-inc.com/> Aurora, Ohio plant will undergo $82 million in expansion. This is expected to add 150 new jobs in the plant that manufactures slewing ring bearings, which is used in the wind industry.
These initiatives are strongly supported by our government leaders in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Development’s Ohio Energy Office <www.development.ohio.gov/cdd/oee/> administers $3.5 million in state grants for solar hot water systems and wind technologies, under what is called the Advanced Energy Fund <development.ohio.gov/cdd/oee/GrantsLoans.htm>. The grants provide support for the distribution and advancement of energy technologies in the service areas of one of Ohio’s four participating electric distribution companies. These grants are for smaller-scale consumers in an effort to stimulate Ohio’s market for smaller wind and solar thermal industries. They complement the manufacturing efforts across Ohio, aiming to attract the high-skilled jobs of a new energy economy.
In a time when the national dialogue is so focused on how we will develop for a sustainable future, Ohio is primed to be a longtime leader. Attention to these efforts has paid off so far, and there is still opportunity to do much more. Ohio has long been known for producing people and ideas that lead the nation and the world, and these accomplishments are proof that Ohio’s future holds promise and innovation for generations to come.
The national economy is struggling, and too many Ohioans are struggling as well. These tough times require the use of every resource we have to jumpstart our economy and create jobs. If we don’t take action and work to move our economy forward, we risk putting Ohio further behind once the national recession lifts.
The Ohio House <www.house.state.oh.us/> has taken action to use federal stimulus money to immediately begin creating jobs and positioning our economy for long-term growth. Ohio is getting $5.8 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act - a shot in the arm to our ailing economy – a bold move to get it healthy again.
These dollars are about jobs. By attracting industry to our state, the free market can promote a healthy economy as we come out on the other side of this recession. Sustainable growth and prosperity begins with the action we take now.
There are a few major ways the federal funds will come to Ohio. For one, the stimulus bill includes money for federally guaranteed loans under the Innovative Technology Loan Guarantee Program. Loans backed by the government help in an economic climate where credit is still frozen for too many businesses. The loans will go toward businesses that invest in emerging technologies. New industries not only create jobs in the short-term, but they also help other businesses to grow alongside them, providing long-term economic development.
We are also using federal funds to invest in infrastructure. $1.1 billion of our transportation budget went toward keeping our roadways safe. Good roads also allow small businesses to move their goods and industry to develop along transportation corridors. The jobs created as a result can invigorate communities. We’ve pulled down $629 million for energy efficiency, green technologies, and weatherization. These are investments that reap lasting benefits. For example, weatherizing our buildings decreases energy use and increases cost savings. When people save money on energy, they invest it back into the economy.
There are many opportunities for investments now that save money later. $26 million will support preventive health care services. Countless studies show that the more we invest in preventive measures like wellness and regular doctor visits, the more long-term costs we save. And we’ve also used stimulus funds to support vital services in Ohio, such as Medicaid, unemployment compensation, and school lunches. In tough times, when more and more Ohioans are in need, it is critical to maintain our social safety net. We’ve also invested $38 million from the federal government to uphold our police forces to help keep citizens safe.
These are unique times. With major layoffs and foreclosures in the news, we must act to put Ohio back on the road to prosperity. The investments we are making will help get Ohio’s economy moving again and improve our financial position for tomorrow.
Filed in: Economic Development, General, Notes from Representative Ray Pryor