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Controlling Board approves $5 million observation tower at Great Seal Park after roll-call
Summary
The State Controlling Board approved funding tied to an observation tower and interpretive elements at Great Seal Park after a roll-call prompted by Representative Stewart. The vote followed debate over whether the $5 million tower is the best use of capital funds versus deferred‑maintenance across the park system.
The State Controlling Board voted to approve an ODNR capital release that includes funding for an observation tower and interpretive elements at Great Seal Park after a roll-call requested by Representative Stewart.
Ryan Frazee, chief financial officer for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, told the board the department has previously received about $15.08 million in capital releases for the park and that the current request would add the tower and related interpretive work. Frazee said visitation and proximity to the Little Miami Scenic Trail support the plan.
Representative Stewart pressed department officials on the cost and public value, questioning whether spending roughly $5 million on an observation tower that offers views over largely open fields is the best use of limited capital funds. "How do we get caught up on all the things that we need to fix in 74 other parks if we're building a $5,000,000 tower to look at a cornfield?" Stewart said.
ODNR responded that the agency balances deferred maintenance with unique projects intended to draw visitation and that the tower represents one of a handful of new projects the department hopes will attract visitors. Frazee said earlier capital releases and auxiliary costs such as the pedestrian bridge (discussed with the Department of Transportation) are separate line items.
Representative Stewart asked for a roll-call vote. The board recorded individual positions; the president announced the item passed. No additional conditions or amendments were recorded at the meeting.
The board moved on to remaining agenda items. The Controlling Board will meet next in the Senate Finance Room.
