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BRIDGEPORT - Now open and in operation at Bridgeport Exempted Village School District campus, the 31,000 square foot center for education and training, health and community activities christened "the Bridge" represents a total estimated investment through grants and donations of $14,502,639. This belief in the community and in what the district has to offer has changed the face of Bridgeport Schools and promises a new era of opportunities. District leaders extend their thanks to everyone who partook in the vision.
The Bridge houses expanded hands-on educational opportunities and College Credit Plus courses, a clinic, the Dog Pound health and fitness center, and space for community events.
The first accomplishment that made it clear the Bridge project would become a reality was the decision by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission and the Governor's Office of Appalachia to award a grant of $13,834,879. OFCC Executive Director Joy Bledsoe spoke during the ribbon cutting ceremony, pointing out the evident enthusiasm among local stakeholders and the public made Bridgeport Schools' project an ideal choice.
Bridgeport Schools kept up the momentum and aggressively sought any other available grant that will improve the Bridge.
Technology Director Lisa Clark and Curriculum Director Leslie Kosanovic recognized the granting agencies and organizations during the Aug. 13 ribbon cutting.
"We want to say on behalf of our entire team, we extend a heartfelt thank you," Clark said.
"We truly could not be here without you," Kosanovic said.
The Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association through the Ohio Department of Development provided $249.996. U.S. Department of Agriculture provided a Rural Utilities Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant of $92,715. The Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Trust Foundation gave two grants totaling $50,000.
The Bridge was awarded a Safety and Security grant from the state, totaling $30,000
The many services offered in the Bridge also benefitted from generous donations by community members and organizations. The Lansing Sportsmen's Club put $99,999 toward the Walking Track that now proudly bears their name. The Bridgeport Education Assistance Foundation gave $45,550 towards the Jumbotron screen in the community area.
Belmont Savings Bank gave $83,000 for equipment in the Dog Pound health and fitness center, which will serve as a place for student athletes to train and for the public to improve their health, with programs for the young and senior citizens.
The Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley gave $16,500.
Superintendent Brent Ripley said as always, the power is in the team.
"The Bridge stands today as a testament to the power of collaboration and community support. Through the generosity of grant partners and donors, what began as a vision has become a reality. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to work alongside our Board of Education Treasurer David Nelson, Mrs. Kosanovic and Mrs. Clark, whose tireless efforts and unwavering belief in this project helped bring this dream to life. Together, we have created something that will serve and strengthen our community for generations."