Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has proposed the repurposing of the vacant Urbana University campus into a new training facility for the U.S. Coast Guard. This initiative aims to transform the site, which has been closed since 2020, into a center of military training excellence. The site is located approximately 200 miles from Lake Erie and meets several critical requirements for the Coast Guard’s training needs.
The former university’s campus boasts existing infrastructure that includes accommodations for up to 1,200 recruits, extensive dining facilities, and a swimming pool that aligns with Coast Guard standards for training facilities. Its location is strategic, situated near the U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes Headquarters in Cleveland and just a 30-minute drive from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, which houses approximately 39,000 personnel.
Strategic Vision for Military Support in Ohio
In his statement to FOX8, Governor DeWine emphasized, “The former site of Urbana University is already well positioned to support the needs of the Coast Guard’s next training center.” His proposal has been submitted to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and reflects his ambition to position Ohio as the “most military-friendly state in our Nation.”
The state is prepared to offer financial incentives and grants through JobsOhio to facilitate the successful conversion of the Urbana site into a Coast Guard training hub. The Governor’s office believes that the strategic advantages of the site will enhance Ohio’s chances during the selection process for this important facility, despite the federal government’s submission deadline having passed on December 8, 2025.
Governor DeWine’s proposal has generated enthusiasm among state and local communities, as the establishment of a Coast Guard training center at Urbana could lead to significant economic revitalization. The prospect of renewed activity in a region that has seen the closure of a once-thriving educational institution has the potential to invigorate local businesses and create new job opportunities.
As discussions progress, the community remains hopeful that the combination of the Urbana campus’s existing capabilities and its strategic location will make a compelling case for the establishment of the new Coast Guard training facility. The decision, which is being closely monitored, stands to impact the region significantly, making it a focal point for military training and support in the near future.
