Beachwood and Shaker Heights are among five communities that will use a $50,000 grant from the state to study the feasibility of a regional dispatch center.

The Ohio Local Government Innovation Council approved more than $3.4 million in grants and $2.9 million in loans to 51 projects across the state today. The new program encourages collaboration and creative, new ideas to help communities save money on services.

"Teamwork leads to great successes. Today's investments foster collaboration that will ensure valuable services are delivered, while overcoming financial issues that plague many local communities," said Christiane Schmenk, Director of the Ohio Department of Development in a press release. "The large response to this new program shows local governments are willing to do what is necessary to provide for their communities and their citizens."

The Eastside communites applied for a state grant of $100,000 to conduct the study for the feasibility of the joint project with the Eastside Departments Group Enforcement (EDGE). They were awarded $51,386 pending approval of the State Controlling Board.

EDGE includes Beachwood, Euclid, South Euclid, Shaker Heights and University Heights.

Each community will pay part of the grant's required 10 percent match. 

It was recently announced that Beachwood Police would operate Pepper Pike's dispatch services, too.