Ohio
Treasurer Josh Mandel
Interactive Online Maps Allow
Ohioans to Search
State Properties and Buildings
COLUMBUS
- Ohio Treasurer Josh Mandel has
launched new interactive online mapping tools at www.OhioTreasurer.gov
to allow
Ohioans to view and search state properties and buildings. The new tools leverage
statewide imaging and
mapping software, and make detailed information about state owned
properties
and buildings available to all Ohioans.
"We
have digitized our state properties database
so that for the first time Ohioans can view online images and
interactive maps
identifying state owned land and buildings," said Treasurer Mandel. "My hope is that property
owners and
residents across the state will leverage this technology to help
provide
feedback on any properties that may be underutilized or surplus so that
the
state can sell them or put them to better use.
Surplus properties that we can take off
of state rolls and sell should
help provide opportunities for economic development while increasing
the local
tax base."
The
online tools allow Ohioans to search by
county, zip code, city or address, and to zoom in and see information
on state
owned properties and buildings.
Properties are color-coded based on the
agency that owns the land, and
buildings are identified on the interactive maps with a red dot. The software allows users
to view overhead
maps and to zoom in and view actual photographic imagery. The software also allows
users to manually
select and view properties, and measure the size of parcels of land and
distance from surrounding areas, properties and roadways.
The
data and software used in the Treasurer's
online tools are provided by the Ohio Geographically Referenced
Information
Program (OGRIP), which is part of the Department of Administrative
Service's
Office of Information Technology.
"We
are happy to partner with OGRIP to
make geographic imaging software and online maps of state properties
and
buildings available to the public," said Treasurer Mandel. "It is a great use of
technology to
engage Ohioans and allow them to weigh in on state properties in their
areas."
The
Treasurer's office is tasked by statute
with displaying information on state properties online at
www.OhioTreasurer.gov, while OGRIP is tasked with collecting and
compiling this
information. County
auditors across the
state play a large role in maintaining records on state properties, and
the
individual agencies that own the land are tasked with managing the
properties
and evaluating whether state land and buildings are being appropriately
used or
could be considered surplus. State
lawmakers have expressed an interest in working to streamline the
process for
managing state properties.
"Treasurer
Mandel's new online tools are a
great first step for the state in providing a new level of
transparency, which
should help lawmakers focus on issues like how state agencies manage
state
owned properties," said State Senator Frank LaRose (R-Copley). "I believe that we need to
streamline
our approach to managing state properties, and when appropriate have a
uniform
and business friendly process in place for selling surplus land and
buildings
if and when they can be put to better use."
The
public is invited to provide input on state
properties and buildings, including those that they may believe to be
underutilized or surplus. The
Treasurer's office will then forward this information to the
appropriate state
agency, such as the Department of Natural Resources, Department of
Transportation, or another agency that may be responsible for managing
the
property. Media,
policy institutions,
good government groups, and the general public are also invited to
download the
state properties database in Microsoft Excel through the site, so that
the
information can be sorted and searched independently.
For
more information or to view the Treasurer's
online state property maps and database, please visit:
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