May 11, 2006

Pryce, Tiberi Secure Funds for Dublin’s Central Ohio Innovation Center

Energy and Water Bill to Help Create Dublin Tech Cluster

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) and Congressman Pat Tiberi ( R-Genoa Township) announced the inclusion of $750,000 in the FY07 Energy and Water Appropriations bill for the Central Ohio Innovation Center, a 1,500-acre hub of medical research, technology and commercial enterprises to be developed in Dublin.

“This is an important federal investment in helping Dublin implement its vision for developing a technology park,” said Pryce. “The Innovation Center will create countless high-paying jobs for central Ohioans, establish a tech cluster of commercial ventures around Dublin, and further entrench our area as a technological leader nationally. Congressman Tiberi and I are particularly appreciative of the work of Chairman Dave Hobson for honoring our request for this important economic project.”

"The potential for this exciting new undertaking is almost limitless," said Tiberi. "My colleagues and I are thrilled to be playing a role in the technology center's development."

"We are grateful for the efforts of Reps. Deborah Pryce, Pat Tiberi and Dave Hobson in supporting this important infrastructure improvement,” said Dublin Mayor Marilee Chinnici-Zuercher. “The City of Dublin is making a significant investment at the Central Ohio Innovation Center to create a world-class destination for cutting-edge, health-related research, economic development and high-paying jobs in Central Ohio. This federal commitment goes a long way to support and complement this local investment. "

The $750,000 included in the Energy and Water Appropriations bill will help fund the water and sewer infrastructure necessary for this project to move forward. The Central Ohio Innovation Center will be located at the interchange of U.S. 33 and state Route 161 in Dublin. Currently, OSU Medical Center plans to locate its commercial ventures at the site under its nonprofit corporation, UMC Partners.