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Chavez Applauds State Budget's Investment in Rural Communities

July 2, 2025
Brian M. Chavez News
 
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COLUMBUS—Governor Mike DeWine signed the final version of the two-year Operating Budget which includes significant funding for investments in rural communities across Ohio.

"It is my priority to make sure Ohio's rural communities are shown support and investment. This is a hallmark of good governance," said State Senator Brian Chavez. "I am proud to see these tremendous investments made in the areas of our state that have unique challenges, and I look forward to seeing their affect on the 30th district."

In support of rural areas across the Buckeye State, Senator Chavez advocated for the following provisions that were included within the Governor's approved budget:

  • An increase to 12% that small villages and townships receive in allocation from the State Capital Improvement Program. Also, an additional requirement in FY26 that townships under 5,000 in population are able to receive up to $10 million for projects.
  • $10 million over the biennium to be used to award loans under the Rural Industrial Park Program.
  • $20 million towards Appalachia Assistance, which supports programs across Appalachian Ohio. An additional $1 million per fiscal year was awarded to the Mayor's Partnership for Progress.
  • $5 million for the Appalachian Children Coalition to address systemic challenges children face in Appalachian Ohio.
  • $1.5 million for the Center on Appalachian Innovation at Marietta College.
  • $3 million for qualified attorneys who engage in the private practice of civil law in an under-served community for a minimum of 520 hours each service year to receive tuition and educational expense reimbursement. Eligibility for the program was also expanded.
  • $200 million towards Brownfield Remediation to be used for economic development and cleanup of contaminated land.
  • $100 million cash infusion to fund housing development in rural areas through the Residential Development Revolving Loan Program. The funding is limited to government entities in counties under 75,000 in population. 

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