The Mayor of Toledo, Carty Finkbeiner, plans to raid the $1.2 million dollars saved for eventual dredging of the Ottawa River in Point Place to help balance the city’s budget shortfall.  Toledo Blade excerpts and link:

His plan to close the books on this year includes using money previously earmarked for capital improvement projects - such as nearly $1.1 million for Southwyck infrastructure improvements and $458,380 for Ottawa River dredging.

Councilman Lindsay Webb, whose district includes the Point Place peninsula neighborhood, wants to maintain funds that already are designated for the $5 million Ottawa River dredging project.

“Although balancing the budget is a priority, money set aside for nearly 10 years should not be used to make up for current budget deficits, especially considering the positive economic effect of using the money as intended,” Ms. Webb said.

“I understand the sense of urgency for the Toledo budget. But if the mayor is able to take the money away from this project, it will never become a reality,” Ms. Webb said.

The city has $1.2 million saved for the project, she added.

A 1999 Ohio State University Sea Grant Extension study found dredging of the Ottawa River would have an immediate impact of $5 million for the Point Place community, Ms. Webb said.

But Mr. Finkbeiner disagreed and said that money must be used to balance the budget.

Full story:

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081125/NEWS16/811250334/-1/RSS10

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