Wilson Announces $2.1 Billion Investment in Ohio's Communities, Highlights Local Projects

COLUMBUS—State Senator Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) this week announced the introduction of the state's capital budget, a $2.1 billion investment in Ohio's schools, infrastructure, public services and local community projects. The legislature generally approves a capital budget every two years, and the bill funds needed improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, roads and bridges, and mental health and addiction facilities. The budget was introduced today as an amendment to Senate Bill 310.

"This important legislation invests in economic development and cultural projects contributing to quality of life and economic growth in our community," said Wilson. "Even during this very difficult year, we continue to build on our commitment to support critical improvements in our local communities." LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS
Over $171 million will be used for economic development and cultural projects of local and regional importance to boost growth and increase opportunities throughout the state. Below is a summary of key community project funding in the 7th district. A full list of community projects can be found here. Warren County

• $400,000 for the Memorable Morrow Bridge to be used towards the restoration of the historic bridge in downtown Morrow.
• $675,000 for the Inclusive Ball Fields at Makino Park in Monroe which serves people with physical and developmental disabilities, providing opportunity for them to participate in baseball.
• $175,000 for the downtown public restroom renovations at the Lebanon Bicentennial Park

Hamilton County

• $ 1 million for the Playhouse in the Park to be used to for the construction of a new theatre space to replace the Robert S. Marx Theatre, upgrading essential accessibility features, and renovating backstage areas.
• $1 million for the Taft Theatre to be used for the renovation and reconstruction of the 200-year-old National Historic Landmark house.

STATEWIDE HIGHLIGHTS Investing in Our Schools

• $305 million will be invested in local school construction, including repairs, renovations and maintenance for primary and secondary facilities. This is in addition to the $300 million already approved this year by the General Assembly in Senate Bill 4.
• $452 million will be invested in projects supporting Ohio’s 37 public colleges and universities.

Investing in Our Infrastructure

• A substantial portion of capital spending goes to local roads, bridges, water-supply systems, storm sewers and wastewater systems, and $280 million will be directed to local infrastructure projects through the Public Works Commission. This is in addition to the $255 million for the Public Works Commission already approved by the General Assembly in Senate Bill 4.
• $253 million for the maintenance and preservation of Ohio’s dams, parks, trails, waterways and wildlife.
• $62.5 million to support the Clean Ohio program which funds preservation of green space, farmland, open spaces and expanded recreational opportunities.
  
• $18 million to improve the security and efficiency of public agency websites and the MARCS first responder communications system.

Investing in Our Communities In addition to the local community projects listed above:

• $95.6 million will be invested in critical health and human services funding for mental health and addiction treatment facilities in communities across the state.
• $280.7 million for renovations of state and local prisons.

Hearings on the bill began yesterday in the conference committee on Senate Bill 310, and the bill is expected to be voted on by the legislature this Thursday. Committee hearings and session meetings are streamed live and archived at OhioChannel.org.