ODI creates Web site for federal stimulus information

The Ohio Department of Insurance has launched a Web site that officials say will “serve as Ohio’s interactive headquarters for all information regarding the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.”

In an e-mail to ODI stakeholders, Director Mary Jo Hudson announced that the state has created the Web site www.recovery.ohio.gov as a central location where all entities that are interested in federal stimulus dollars should fill out a form expressing their needs.

“We must act strategically and boldly to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to make lasting investments in our state,” wrote Gov. Ted Strickland in a letter on the site’s front page. “And we must do so in a way that is accountable and transparent and meets the critical economic development priorities of our communities across the state.”

All projects that are submitted for potential stimulus assistance will be compiled in a master database and forwarded to the appropriate state entity. Hudson said that all projects that are requesting federal funds should fill out the form, even if they have submitted for funds in some other way.