Johnson Announces $2.1 Billion Investment in Ohio's Communities, Highlights Local Projects

COLUMBUS—State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) 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 yesterday as an amendment to Senate Bill 310. "I am proud to have worked with local leaders to help secure this much needed funding," Johnson said. "These projects will strengthen the 14th Senate District and I look forward to seeing this investment pay off for the hardworking people of Ohio."

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 14th district. A full list of community projects can be found here. Adams County

• $350,000 for the Adams County Welcome Center
• $50,000 for the West Union pedestrian bike path

Brown County

• $425,000 for the Ripley Freedom Landing Boat Dock
• $350,000 for the covered arena in the Brown County Fairgrounds
• $50,000 for the Gaslight Theater

Clermont County

• $900,000 for a two story parking garage in historic downtown Loveland
• $200,000 for Clermont County agricultural improvements
• $50,000 for the Moscow Riverfront Stabilization
• $50,000 for the Child Focus Day Treatment Facility
• $50,000 for the Jeff Wyler Boys & Girls Club of Greater Cincinnati
• $40,000 for Williams Lytle's Land Office at Harmony Hill
• $40,000 for the Bethel Grant Memorial Building Restoration
• $25,000 for the New Richmond Liberty Landing park

Scioto County

• $200,000 for the repair of the dam at Elks Country Club
• $100,000 to help build the Southern Ohio War Memorial
• $50,000 for improvements to Earl Thomas Conley Park
• $50,000 for upgrades to the Fairgrounds electrical system

Lawrence County

• $350,000 for the Gateway Regional Sports Complex
• $214,000 for the Lawrence County Union Rome Trails
• $200,000 for updates to the South Point Community Center
• $8,500 for the NECCO gym project

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.
• $62.5 million to support the Clean Ohio program which funds preservation of green space, farmland, open spaces and expanded recreational opportunities.
• $253 million for the maintenance and preservation of Ohio’s dams, parks, trails, waterways and wildlife.
• $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 yesterday 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.