Ted Strickland November 29, 2007 Via Hand Delivery

Governor

MEMBERS The Hon. Michelle Schneider

Ronald A. Pizzuti Ohio House of Representatives
Chairperson 77 South High Street, 14th Floor
Barbara S. Robinson
Columbus, OH 43215
Vice Chairperson

George R. Oberer, Sr.

Secretary-Treasurer Re: $2 Million Approved for National Underground Railroad Freedom Center
Adam K. Brandt
Dear Representative Schneider:
Otto M. Budig, Jr.

William A. Erdos
We have an update for you regarding the National Underground Railroad Freedom
Center, located in Hamilton County. Two million dollars was appropriated for the
Julie T. Kunkel facility in the December 2006 capital bill, Am. Sub. H.B. 699 of the 126th General
Harry J. Lehman Assembly, and assigned to our agency for oversight. The Ohio Cultural Facilities
Commission approved the release of the $2 million appropriation at its quarterly
Cynthia B. Thompson
meeting today for reimbursement of costs associated with the museum’s initial
construction.
EX-OFFICIO
MEMBERS
The Commission’s approval of these capital funds for the Freedom Center includes
David Goodman an additional measure of security for the state’s investment. In this arrangement, the
Ohio Senate
Commission will extend its current leasehold interest in the facility to be coterminous
Shawn N. Webster with the new Cooperative Use Agreement that will be entered into as a result of
Ohio House
today’s Commission approval. The extended leasehold interest provides additional
Julie S. Henahan security for the state, in light of the Freedom Center’s operating challenges.
Ohio Arts Council

As you know, the Ohio Cultural Facilities Commission is a state agency that helps
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR enhance the quality of life for Ohioans by improving the state’s cultural facilities.
Kathleen M. Fox, FASLA Since 1988, the Commission has disbursed nearly $400 million of capital funds
appropriated for facility improvement projects at non-profit theaters, museums,
historical sites and publicly owned professional sports venues. The Commission
partners with non-profit groups and local governments on nearly 250 projects in 65 of
Ohio’s 88 counties.

If we can be of further assistance to you or your staff, or if you have any questions
about other projects in your district, please feel free to contact me at (614) 995-7552
or jfagan@culture.ohio.gov.

Sincerely,

Jessica Fagan
Communications Manager