Toledo, Ohio
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Federal Stimulus Program has awarded Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP) grant of $2,163,655 to the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library for improvements at its Kent Branch Library. This grant assists in developing public computer centers in libraries and other community centers, promoting public use of computers and offering personal computer skills necessary to spur job creation and stimulate long term economic growth and opportunity.
Buehrer Group’s responsibility in this BTOP Federal Grant preparation was defining sustainable issues as it related to energy & water use, reviewing lists of endangered species both plan and animal to determine if any would be affected by this project, reviewing environmental questionnaires dealing with wetlands, flood plains, critical habitats, protected lands and brownfields. Other grant writing efforts included historic reviews and cost estimation.
Work on the Kent Branch Library includes a complete reorganization of the existing spaces within the existing library. The enclosure of an existing 3-walled courtyard, a new main entry to the facility, and an increase in public computer stations make this the 1st technology rich library within the county’s system.
This project is seeking LEED Certification with the USGBC.
Completion Date: Winter 2011
