Senate President Matt Huffman Announces Multi-Million Dollar Investment For District Projects

COLUMBUS—Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) announced a multi-million dollar investment for community projects in the 12th Senate District. This represents the first phase of the Capital Budget rollout, which this year includes an additional $700 million that communities and organizations could apply to, for projects around the state.

The One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, affectionately known around the Ohio Statehouse as the "OTSCIF," was divided between both chambers to evaluate projects submitted by organizations for consideration. "This fund was the result of strategic planning while we prepared the operating budget for the next two years," said President Huffman. "This additional investment really makes a difference in our communities, downtowns and neighborhoods that people will recognize."

Among the projects in the 12th Senate District is a $10 million investment for much needed renovations at the Lima Veterans Memorial Hall, which is in downtown Lima. "Many downtowns around the state have been trying to revitalize, renovate and reinvigorate the vacant store fronts and empty buildings that cast a shadow on our communities," said President Huffman. "This project will keep Lima's downtown moving forward as a great destination to work, shop and call home."

That is just one of the projects President Huffman was able to secure funding for. The Mercer County community of Fort Recovery applied for help building a new water tower. "Quality water service is vital for any community," said President Huffman. "I'm pleased that the project will receive $600,000 to help pay for the construction costs." 

Here is the complete list of projects receiving funding from the Senate's "OTSCIF" budget for the 12th Senate District.

Veterans Memorial Hall $10 million
Allen County Airport Fuel Farm $1 million
Rhodes Sate Advanced Manufacturing Lab $440,000
Fort Recovery Water Tower Project $600,000
Allen County Child Support Enforcement Agency Facility $375,000
Shelby Community Workforce Training Center receives $500,000
Midwest Regional ESC Resilient Heights Improvements $600,000
Logan County Sewer District Flat Branch Upgrades $1.5 Million
Fort Loramie Industrial Park $724,000
Eldora Speedway Public Safety Improvements $400,000
Temple Christian School Building Expansion $250,000 
Heir Force Community School Land Acquisition  $250,000
Bellefontaine Calvary Christian School $250,000
Saint Mary's Reservoir Mill $250,000
New Bremen Public Library Renovation $200,000 
Champaign Aviation Museum Improvements $20,000

Hearings for the bill containing the "OTSCIF" funding will be held Tuesday and Wednesday in the Senate's Finance Committee. This represents the first phase of the state's traditional Capital Budget process.

For updates on projects secured by Senators for their districts, read the story posted on our online newsroom, "On The Record."