COLUMBUS - State Senator Rob McColley (R-Napoleon) and State Representative Craig S. Riedel (R-Defiance) announced the introduction of the state's Capital Budget, a $2.6 billion investment in Ohio's infrastructure and local community projects. 
 
The proposed bill allocates for community projects specifically, $600,000 in state funds for Auglaize County, $105,000 for Defiance County and $610,000 for Van Wert County. These projects provide for many different renovations and recreational improvements throughout local communities.  

“The capital budget is a great opportunity for our state to invest directly in the local communities, improving the quality of life of those in the region," said McColley. "The projects funded in Northwest Ohio will provide a unique recreational, educational and economic impact in our local communities. I commend the local officials and constituents of the area for their vision and dedication to make this funding possible.”

Historically, the General Assembly enacts a capital budget every even-numbered year. The bill funds needed improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including (but not limited to) schools, roads and bridges, waterways and parks. The identical bills introduced in each chamber also increase the capital investment in addiction services and mental health facilities.
 
“Providing additional funds for local community projects is a way to improve the quality of life in our state,” Rep. Riedel said. “Our hope is that by funding these projects more people will look at Northwest Ohio as a great place to live.” 








For a complete list of community projects by county, click here.
 

Supporting Ohio's Schools

• $600 million will be invested in local school construction, including repairs, renovations and maintenance for primary and secondary facilities.


• Over $483 million will be invested in projects supporting Ohio’s 37 public colleges and universities.

Supporting Ohio's Infrastructure

• $514 million will go to local infrastructure projects through the Public Works Commission, including local roads, bridges, water-supply systems, storm sewers and wastewater systems. 


• This includes $100 million to support the Clean Ohio program, which funds the preservation of green space, farmland, open spaces and expanded recreational opportunities.


• Over $234 million for the maintenance and preservation of Ohio’s dams, parks, trails, waterways and wildlife.

Supporting Ohioans in Need

• Nearly $222 million will be invested in critical health and human services funding for youth services, developmental disabilities, mental health, addiction treatment and women’s health initiatives, over double the amount spent in the last capital budget.


• This includes $20 million for new opioid community resiliency projects.

Supporting Ohio's Communities

• Nearly $150 million will be used for economic development and cultural projects of local and regional importance to boost growth and increase opportunities throughout the state, in addition to supporting the healthcare projects above.

The companion bills were introduced this week in the Ohio Senate as Senate Bill 266 and in the Ohio House as House Bill 529 and are available for review at www.legislature.ohio.gov. Hearings will be broadcast live by The Ohio Channel and streamed at www.OhioSenate.gov and www.OhioHouse.gov.  
 
For more information on the Capital Budget bill process, visit http://www.obm.ohio.gov/budget/capital/.

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