Huffman Announces $2.1 Billion Investment in Ohio's Communities, Highlights Local Projects
Capital Bill provides economic stimulus, jobs to local communities by funding improvements to Ohio's schools, infrastructure and public services
December 15, 2020
Stephen A. Huffman News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Steve Huffman (R-Tipp City) 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.
“I am proud to support projects in our region that have been included in the state’s Capital Budget,” said Huffman. “These projects will continue to make the Miami Valley a great place to live and raise a family and I look forward to seeing this investment make a difference in our community as we work together to recover from a very difficult year.” 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. Below is a summary of key community project funding in the 5th district. A full list of community projects can be found here. Darke County
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.
“I am proud to support projects in our region that have been included in the state’s Capital Budget,” said Huffman. “These projects will continue to make the Miami Valley a great place to live and raise a family and I look forward to seeing this investment make a difference in our community as we work together to recover from a very difficult year.” 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. Below is a summary of key community project funding in the 5th district. A full list of community projects can be found here. Darke County
- $500K for the Swine and Community Pavilion to be used in the construction of a show barn and arena, perform necessary demolition and waterline work, and build the Darke County Agricultural Community Pavilion.
- $400,000 for the Arbogast Performing Arts Center (APAC) to be used in the construction of the building, specifically interior spaces and finishes. The space will provide artistic space for gallery showings, lecture and speaker series events, STEM programming, and other cultural and community building activities that support arts organizations and schools.
- $400,000 for the Village of Lewisburg-MARCS Communications Tower to be used in the building of a MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System), which would be utilized to eliminate inconsistencies in signal reception. Reduction of dead zones in emergency situations will ensure safety of first responders.
- $500,000 for the West Dayton Farmers Market to be used to construct a Farmers Market and Food Hub to handle the aggregation, distribution, and storage of food products.
- $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.
- 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.
- $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.