ODNR funding requests

Before approving nine Department of Natural Resources requests totaling more than $20 million, Rep. Redfern questioned where the agency's funding is coming from to pay for the numerous park and dam upgrades - especially since fracking won't be taking place under state park land.   ODNR's Chief Financial Officer Tom Johnston said the department has submitted requests to be placed in the capital bill. Any projects in that bill would be funded through general obligation debt, he said.   Tuesday's requests included funds for construction improvements to: the Pike Lake State Park dam; facilities within Middle Bass Island State Park; Roosevelt Lake Dam and Pond Lick Dam in Shawnee State Park; Deer Creek Lodge and Conference Center at Deer Creek State Park, and a water treatment system serving Pymatuning State Park.  The department also requested $6.25 million to fund Clean Ohio Trails grants.