9/28/2012
Treasurer Mandel Launches Interactive Online Maps to Allow Ohioans to View and Search State Properties and Buildings
Leveraging New Statewide Imaging Software Allows Residents to Help Identify Underutilized and Surplus State Properties
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: www.OhioTreasurer.gov/StateProperties/StatePropertyMaps.aspx To contact the Treasurer’s office about a state property, e-mail: StateProperty@tos.ohio.gov.
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