COLUMBUS YSU receives funds for newest phase of electronic project
The board also approved a loan for Cold Metal Products and the renovation of a prison water tower.
By MICHELE C. HLADIK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
COLUMBUS -- Youngstown State University is ready to enter the newest phase of its Electronic Campus Infrastructure Technology Project now that the Ohio Controlling Board has unanimously approved the release of $385,521.
This portion of the project includes the purchase of electronic network hardware and software equipment. The first three phases of the project have already received state funding.
"This project will dramatically impact the operation of the university by electronically integrating the academic, administrative and student service sectors through a fully compatible network of hardware and software platforms," says the request filed with the controlling board.
The board also agreed Monday to waive competitive selection and award the contract for $357,950 for the purchase of electronic network hardware and software equipment to Jacada Inc. of Atlanta, Ga. The remainder of the funds in this phase were awarded in a contract with Dell Computers of Round Rock, Texas. Before agreeing to support the requests, Sen. David Goodman, R-Bexley, questioned why the university chose to go with Jacada, which had the fourth lowest bid.
According to Dennis Clouse, director of planning and construction for YSU, the university set minimum requirements for the bid, but was interested in looking at more widespread solutions.
"We feel Jacada provides better quantity and quality on the project," he said.
"The Jacada solution is really unique. It really gives us a great deal more flexibility," said Rick Marsico, director of computer services for YSU.
Loan for Cold Metal: In other business, Cold Metal Products was granted a $1.2 million loan as part of the State of Ohio 166 Loan Program. The loan is expected to be used for the purchase of machinery and equipment for a project facility at 45 S. Montgomery Ave., Youngstown.
The company purchases coils of rolled steel and processes the steel using cold rolling, annealing and normalizing techniques so that it may be used in other manufacturing activities.
The total cost of the project is expected to be nearly $2.77 million, with the state's loan providing 43 percent of the costs.
"The state assistance serves as an inducement for the project to occur and the jobs to be created and retained in Youngstown," the request read.
According to the request, the project is expected to create 22 new jobs and help retain 113 jobs.
Controlling board members also approved the release of $50,213 for the Trumbull Correctional Institution's water tower renovation project. The project includes draining, sandblasting, re-welding, painting and chlorinating the water tower and replacing all rusty, blistered and deteriorated screws.
The contract on the project was awarded to Nick's Painting Co. of Warren.