|
 |
Ohio State Senate Leaders
$2.6 Billion
Investment in Ohio’s Local Communities Announced
Bill funds needed repairs and improvements to Ohio’s schools,
infrastructure, communities and public services
COLUMBUS - Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina) and Senate Finance
Chair Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) today announced the introduction
of this year’s $2.6 billion capital budget. This investment will
support the infrastructure priorities of the state and funds needed
improvements to community services, school facilities, roads, bridges,
waterways and parks.
The legislature generally approves a capital budget every two years in
order to fund pressing construction and maintenance projects around the
state. Ohio’s strong fiscal health makes it possible to take on these
projects, and this year’s capital spending plan will support Ohio job
creation, grow the state’s economy and add value to our communities and
our citizens’ lives.
"Because of Ohio's strong fiscal health, we can make responsible
investments in our state's infrastructure and services for the benefit
of all Ohioans," said Faber. "This funding will bring jobs, economic
and cultural development and quality of life to Ohio's communities and
citizens, and I'm proud of the collaborative work on this bill among
the legislature, the administration and our local leaders."
Oelslager, who serves as the Chairman of the Senate Finance committee,
will oversee the hearings in the Ohio Senate.
“From the arts to education to roadways, the state capital budget plays
a major role in bringing jobs, opportunities and a sense of pride to
our local communities,” said Oelslager. “Funding these projects
exemplifies how private investors, community leaders and the state can
come together to improve our hometowns. I’m pleased with what we were
able to accomplish.”
Highlights of the capital budget:
Supporting Our Schools
$650 million will be invested in local school construction, including
repairs, renovations and maintenance for primary and secondary
facilities.
More than $428 million will go to Ohio’s 37 public colleges and
universities, while nearly $56 million more will support projects that
benefit Ohio' statewide university system.
Supporting Our Infrastructure
A substantial portion of capital spending goes to local roads, bridges,
water-supply systems, storm sewers and wastewater systems. $500 million
will go to local infrastructure projects through the Public Works
Commission, including up to $100 million to support the Clean Ohio
program which funds preservation of green space, farmland, open spaces
and expanded recreational opportunities.
This bill also includes $275 million for the maintenance and
preservation of Ohio’s dams, parks, trails, waterways and wildlife.
Supporting Ohioans in Need
With nearly $100 million in funding, the state placed a strong emphasis
on investing in critical health and human services funding for youth
services, developmental disabilities, mental health, addiction
treatment and women’s health initiatives.
Supporting Our Communities
Economic development and cultural projects of local and regional
importance boost growth and opportunities in our communities. By
working with local stakeholders, the bill includes $160 million for a
number of such projects.
These investments will help improve the lives of Ohioans and support
communities across the state. Without strong and responsible budgeting
year after year, it would not be possible to fund such projects, but as
Ohio’s economy continues to grow it allows our state to responsibly
invest in the projects that matter most locally.
|
|
|
|
