April 2009 An update to the Lucas County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) has been approved by the CEDS Committee and adopted by resolution of the Lucas County Board of Commissioners. Hard copies have been submitted to the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) regional office in Chicago and state office in Columbus for consent and approval. The EDA will review the document and notify Lucas County in writing within 60 days of submission that the CEDS has been approved. If the document is unacceptable, the EDA will provide written comments within 60 days of submission, identifying the deficiencies and allowing time for corrections.
The Univsersity of Toledo’s Technology and Incubation Center Expansion project was prioritized as the top project for the County in 2006. Since the CEDS was been completed and approved locally, this project has moved forward UT has sescured EDA funding for the project.
As stated in the CEDS, the Projects List section should be frequently updated to ensure that it accurately reflects the most current economic environment. Lucas COunty has been vigilant in updating this list in 2006 and again in 2008. A new, updated, or revised CEDS is required at least every five years, or sooner if EDA or the planning organization determines that the CEDS is inadequate due to changed circumstances. Any part of the CEDS document, including the Action Plan and Projects List, may be changed officially upon approval by the CEDS Committee and adopted by resolution of Lucas County Commissioners, with the concurrence of EDA.
The full CEDS document was adopted in 2005, and was accepted and approved by the EDA. The U.S. Departemnt of Commerce commented that, "The Lucas County Board of Commissioners is to be commended for its efforts in coordinating local economic development planning initiatives. Lucas County has positionsed itself as a principle leader in area and regional econommic development activities."
Thank you to all local officials, staff and economic development partners fo volunteering your time, energy and resources to this planning process and the subsequent updates. Your input has been invaluable. As always, should you have any further questions or comments regarding the CEDS process, the attached materials or updating the document in the future, please do not hesitate to contact Brian Bilger at the address indicated and phone number listed above.
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