Kunze Announces $2.1 Billion Investment in Ohio's Communities, Highlights Franklin Co. Projects

COLUMBUS—State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) today 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.

“Now more than ever, it is important for the Ohio Senate to invest in our state’s economy and enhance our communities by boosting economic development," said Kunze. "It is vital for our state to invest in Central Ohio and uplift the quality of life for our neighbors and community through these crucial infrastructure projects.” 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. $20.65 million is being distributed to cities and municipalities throughout Franklin County.

• $4.5 million will be used for the Comprehensive Addiction Center in Franklin County.
• $1.5 million for construction of the Galloway Sports Complex One Field Project in Grove City
• $338,000 for construction of the Upper Arlington Lane Avenue Shared Use Path
• $400,000 for reconstruction of the Thaddeus Kosciuszko Log Cabin in Dublin
• $400,000 for renovations to McCord Park in Worthington
• $300,000 for the extension of the Hayden Run Trail in Hilliard

"Local addiction centers provide prevention, treatment and recovery resources to those rebuilding their life. It is critically important to the health and well-being of our community that Ohio continues to support these efforts," added Kunze. "Throughout the development of the Capital Budget, local leaders and community members identified projects important to their community, I’m proud to share that many projects going on in the 16th Senate District's backyard will receive additional dollars to be completed.” A full list of community projects can be found here. 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 today 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. For more information on the Capital Budget bill process, click here.