1999 saw the end of SSBG support as the last operational funds tied to the designation were exhausted. However, most of our active benchmarks have secured funding from other sources and continue to make substantial progress toward their stated goals. New funding for the year totals $8,303,200, of which close to $5,000,000 comes from private investment.

The Greater Portsmouth Enterprise Community Corporation Board (Board) and its provider partners are engaged in efforts to expand funding for those projects and are seeking appropriate support for those benchmarks which remain active but have yet to obtain funding.

Three new benchmarks (40, 41 and 42) became active during 1999. Benchmarks 40 and 42 obtained funding support and number 41 is on schedule to reach the point where funding sources will be identified and requests submitted.

The Board deleted benchmark #36 with the concurrence of the sponsoring group. The proposed project was cancelled when it became evident that the owner of Ohio-Erie Canal Lock 51 , the Ohio Department of Transportation, would not sell the property. Benchmarks 26, 27, 30, 31 and 34 have been made inactive. The Board and the sponsoring groups are engaged in discussions to find ways in which these projects may be restructured to warrant re-activation and funding support. If those efforts are successful, the old benchmarks will be deleted and replaced with new descriptions.

Benchmark # 8 is scheduled for deletion and replacement at the Board’s February, 2000 meeting. However this action is prompted for very positive reasons. A new benchmark for Welfare to Work activities will detail an expanded mission and new funding from the Department of Labor and the Ohio Department of Human Services.

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