Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan has partnered with the Kent State University Foundation to fund the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center.

New Markets Tax Credits from the Finance Fund will pay for $9 million of the $15.6 million project. Another $6.5 million will come from the Development Fund of the Western Reserve, according to a press release from Ryan’s office.

“Today’s announcement is yet another example of the private and public sectors collaborating and making our community more successful,” Ryan said in the press release. “Our economic progress depends on projects like this, which bring together the strengths of business and public resources to create jobs and drive growth. This is a great step for downtown Kent, and more proof that northeast Ohio continues to be an example for communities across the nation of what we can do when we work together.”

According to the press release, the 95-room hotel is scheduled to open in the spring.

Contact Britni Williams at [email protected].