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Wilson Announces State's Capital Bill To Make $2.6 Billion Investment In Local Communities

February 27, 2018
Steve Wilson News
 
COLUMBUS—State Senator Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) this week announced the introduction of the state's Capital Budget, a $2.6 billion investment in Ohio's infrastructure and local community projects.

Historically, the General Assembly enacts a capital budget every even-numbered year, and the bill funds needed improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including (but not limited to) schools, roads and bridges, waterways and parks. The identical bills introduced today in each chamber also makes significant increases the capital investment in mental health and addiction services facilities.

“The Capital Budget provides valuable resources that help keep our state and communities strong,” said Wilson. “These investments will continue to support economic development and job creation across Ohio."

The proposed bill includes state funding for a number of projects in Warren, Hamilton and Butler counties including $500,000 to build a new Warren County Drug Task Force Headquarters, $400,000 allotted to the Mason Common Ground Park for children and adults with disabilities and $100,000 to the Village of Fairfax for needed renovations to Ziegler Park.

For a full list of community projects by county, click here.
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.
Supporting Ohio's Infrastructure
  • $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.
Supporting Ohioans in Need
  • 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.
Supporting Ohio's Communities
  • 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.
The companion bills were introduced in the Ohio Senate as Senate Bill 266 and in the Ohio House as House Bill 529 and are available for review at www.legislature.ohio.gov. Senate hearings begin Today at 2:30 p.m. in the Senate Finance Committee and will be broadcast live by The Ohio Channel and streamed at www.OhioSenate.gov and www.OhioHouse.gov.

For more information on the Capital Budget bill process, visit http://www.obm.ohio.gov/budget/capital/. ###