Kunze Announces Passage Of $2.6 Billion Investment In Infrastructure And Community Projects
March 21, 2018
Stephanie Kunze News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) today announced the Senate's passage of the state's Capital Budget, a $2.62 billion investment in Ohio's infrastructure and local community projects.
The Ohio General Assembly generally approves a capital budget every two years with the goal of funding needed improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, roads and bridges, waterways and parks. The House and Senate versions of the bill, simultaneously introduced and vetted in the lower- and upper-chambers, both significantly increase the capital investment in mental health and addiction services facilities.
“This Capital Budget invests in projects that will increase the quality of life and boost economic development throughout central Ohio, made possible by responsible budgeting year after year,” said Senator Kunze. “These investments allow our state to focus resources on funding for opioid, mental health and addiction services, crucial infrastructure and local economic development projects."
Supporting Ohio's Schools
House Bill 529 now heads to the Governor for a signature. For more information on the Capital Budget bill process, visit http://www.obm.ohio.gov/budget/capital/. ###
The Ohio General Assembly generally approves a capital budget every two years with the goal of funding needed improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, roads and bridges, waterways and parks. The House and Senate versions of the bill, simultaneously introduced and vetted in the lower- and upper-chambers, both significantly increase the capital investment in mental health and addiction services facilities.
“This Capital Budget invests in projects that will increase the quality of life and boost economic development throughout central Ohio, made possible by responsible budgeting year after year,” said Senator Kunze. “These investments allow our state to focus resources on funding for opioid, mental health and addiction services, crucial infrastructure and local economic development projects."
LOCAL HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAPITAL BILL:
- Prairie Township, Sports Complex will receive $500,000 to provide for the TOPS Turf Field, space for youth and family sports programs and other activities. This project is part of an effort to rebuild lost community infrastructure that has been left in disrepair.
- Village of Harrisburg, Baseball Complex: $150,000 will be allocated for updates and renovations of the complex's amenities including: a new baseball diamond, construction of a concession building with restroom facilities, installation of new playground equipment and the development of a walking trail around the outside of the complex for residents to use year-round.
- Grove City, Gantz Park: will receive $300,000 for renovations of the park's playground, accessible to Grove City and central Ohio youth of all physical and cognitive abilities.
- City of Hilliard, Miracle Field: $150,000 will be used toward the construction of Miracle Field, state-of-the-art baseball fields that include rubberized turf to accommodate wheelchairs, providing children with mental and physical disabilities the opportunity to participate.
- Upper Arlington, Veterans Memorial Project: $200,000 is being allocated for the creation of an inviting space for reflection, education and appreciation of veterans, in honor of our nation’s brave service men and women, both past and present. and those who serve our nation.
- Franklin County, Freedom A La Cart: $100,000 will be used for the creation of a development program to help victims of human trafficking rebuild their lives through one-on-one case management services, education support, workforce development, life skills training and financial counseling.
- Dublin, Bridge Park Center: will receive a $1,000,000 investment in regional tourism, specifically for the development and attraction of large-scale amateur athletic events, concerts, conventions, and other similar type events and provides additional opportunities for youth athletic programs to thrive and grow in Dublin.
STATEWIDE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAPITAL BILL:
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.
- $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.
- 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.
- 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.
House Bill 529 now heads to the Governor for a signature. For more information on the Capital Budget bill process, visit http://www.obm.ohio.gov/budget/capital/. ###