Chavez Brings Historic Investment Into Appalachia

COLUMBUS— State Senator Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) announced the investment to support local projects across Ohio, including investments into 45 projects across the 30th Senate District. These dollars were included in Senate Bill 450, the Capital Budget bill, which was passed by the Senate last Wednesday.

"Capital Projects are vital to rural communities like ours," said Senator Chavez. "I look forward to seeing some transformational benefits as these projects are completed."

Senator Chavez advocated for projects submitted by constituents,, securing over $8 million in investments into the following Projects across Appalachia:

• Athens County
  • Athens Lumber Company Boat Ramp
  • Athens History Center Improvements
  • Stuart's Opera House Improvements
  • The Woods at Dairy Lane
  • Upcycle Campus
  • McClenaghan Center for Hospitality Instructional Expansion
  • SAOP Housing Facility Improvements
  • GAR Hall
• Belmont County
  • Belmont County Fairgrounds Improvements
  • Barnesville State Theater
  • Epworth Park Auditorium
  • St. Clairsville Community Center
  • Tri County Rooted in Safety Help Center
• Harison County
  • Harrison Couty Fairgrounds Improvements
  • Village of Cadiz Park Improvements
• Jefferson County
  • Steubenville Grand Theater Restoration
  • Steubenville Community Connector
  • Friendship Park Restroom Project
  • Steubenville Downtown Green Campus/Park Project
  • Steubenville MEP Center
• Meigs County
  • Rutland Civic Center Project
  • Meigs County Fairground Improvements
• Monroe County
  • Monroe County Fairgrounds Improvements
  • Sardis Broken Timber Outdoor Education Program
  • Maverick's Creek Unlimited Playground
  • Storybook Trail Improvements
• Morgan County
  • Morgan County Jail Fire Safety and Booking Area
  • Twin City Opera House Restoration
  • Friendship Park & Community Center Improvements
  • Appalachian Hills Wildlife Area Archery Range
• Noble County
  • Noble County Agriculture Society Improvements
  • Woody Hayes Cabin Park Enhancements
  • Wolf Run State Park Campground and Beach Improvements
• Washington County
  • Akron Children's Hospital - Belpre Pediatric Primary Care Office Project
  • Marietta College Nursing Program Facilities Improvements
  • Washington County Fair Improvements
  • Marietta East Muskingum Park Improvements
  • Old Community Hall Renovations
  • Washington County Career Center
  • Oak Grove Pickleball and Recreation Center
  • Castle Museum Improvements
  • Washington County Courthouse Upgrades
  • Alice Chapman Early Learning Center
  • Memorial Community Childcare Center

"Capital Projects are an important investment by the state into our communities," Senator Chavez added.

The legislature generally passes a Capital Budget every two years, funding improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, infrastructure, and mental health and addiction facilities. Senate Bill 450 includes:  

• $645 Million for the Public Works Commission
• $611 Million for the School Facilities Commission
• $425 Million for Higher Education Institutions
• $385 Million for the Department of Behavioral Health
• $265 Million for the Department of Natural Resources

Additionally, SB450 saw the implementation of the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). which Ohioans passed in May of 2025. SCIP allows the state to issue bonds to assist in funding projects which improve roads, bridges, culverts, water supply systems, water systems, storm water collection systems, mad solid waste disposal systems. Senator Chavez led the charge to pass the SCIP through Senate Joint Resolution 4 from the 135th General assembly.

The Capital Budget now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.

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