Central Ohio Today

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives passed Substitute House Bill 2 on Wednesday, marking the approval of the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects. This includes the Strategic Community Investment Fund. State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) announced that the Capital Budget will make historic investments in local community projects.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund allocates $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects, with more than $39.4 million directed toward the 86th House District and surrounding communities. Established under the state’s main operating budget passed in 2023, the fund includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year.

“These investments will have a lasting impact not only on this generation but the generations to come,” said Richardson. “With these state dollars we will help build a brighter future by providing necessary and critical improvements to our district's economy and infrastructure.”

Due to ongoing conservative fiscal stewardship, Richardson secured one-time funding for several projects in the 86th House District:

- $12.5 million to the Transportation Research Center for upgrades to their Impact Lab.

- $10 million to locate the Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies at Columbus State Community College.

- $10 million to create a two-mile loop for pedestrian and bike traffic in downtown Columbus.

- $4.6 million to improve Ohio’s Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs.

- $1 million for renovations on the Little Brown Jug Grandstand project.

- $450,000 to renovate Marion's Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Chapel.

- $300,000 to restore Marion's George W. King Mansion.

- $218,000 to establish six new pickleball courts in Richwood.

- $185,000 for restoration of the Women’s History Resource Center at Marion County Federation of Women’s Club.

- $162,545 for a walking trail around Lee Manville Memorial Park Baseball Field Complex and new playground construction.

- $150,000 for electrical and restroom improvements at Union County Agricultural Society.

- $100,000 for engineering classroom and lab renovations at Marion Technical College.

- $75,000 to enlarge Stengel-True Museum's parking lot.

- $49,849 for an ADA-friendly walking path around Richwood Independent Fairgrounds.

Statewide capital investments included in the legislation are:

- $600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund;

- $400 million for Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program;

- $397.6 million for higher education projects across Ohio;

- $250 million for local jail construction throughout Ohio.

Substitute House Bill 2 now awaits a signature from Governor Mike DeWine.