Ohio spending $1 million on eclipse security for 2024. What is it for?
Ohio will be one of the best places in the nation to view next April’s total solar eclipse — and state lawmakers and Gov. Mike DeWine approved additional money to deal with the expected crowds.
Lawmakers recently approved $1 million to be allocated toward eclipse security in the 2024-25 state budget. Millions live within driving distance of the 124-mile-wide path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible, and areas inside the path are expecting thousands of visitors.
Cities in the path of totality include Akron, Cleveland and Dayton. In other parts of Ohio, viewers will be able to see a partial eclipse. Canton, Cincinnati and Columbus, for example, sit just outside the path of totality.
With large crowds potentially heading to parts of northern and western Ohio, the state could see a huge economic boost — and a greater potential for accidents. The $1 million will fund reimbursements for local authorities that may incur emergency costs related to the eclipse.
"This will be a reimbursement grant that will allow first responder and emergency management partners the potential to submit the items they feel are eligible for reimbursement," Ohio Emergency Management Authority Public Affairs Chief Sandy Mackey said in an email.
During the 2017 solar eclipse, parts of the country, including the nearby states of Kentucky, Tennessee and Illinois, saw a huge influx of travelers looking to catch a glimpse of the eclipse. Huge tourism boosts and major traffic jams impacted areas along the path of totality.
The EMA is projecting "the likelihood of an increased demand for hotels and campsites, significant increase of traffic and local infrastructure, and an increase in requests for emergency services," Mackey noted.
Eclipse and the economy: Total solar eclipse will draw thousands to Ohio. What does that mean for the economy?
NASA also advises viewers not to look directly at the sun during the eclipse, as it could cause eye damage. Authorities recommend wearing eclipse glasses to protect your eyes, as well as applying sunscreen to protect your skin from the bright sun.
LCarey@Dispatch.com
@LilyLCarey
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Total solar eclipse in Ohio: Why the state approved $1M for security
