EC Ohio News

The Ohio House of Representatives passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects throughout the state, announced State Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport). The bill will allocate more than $4.2 billion for capital projects, in addition to $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

Specifically, the Mark at the Park will receive $95,000 in capital funding to add a Sponsor’s VIP Pavilion and other stage improvements, creating opportunities to book bigger acts and a space for the community to gather.

“I am proud to see taxpayer dollars make their way back to Harrison County,” said Jones. “I look forward to seeing the transformative effects of these projects for generations to come.”

Jones secured $2 million in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund that will directly serve the 95th House District and surrounding communities, including:

- $720,000 to rejuvenate the Harrison County Fair with replacements of the Grandstand, restrooms, the 4-H building, and more;

- $650,000 to construct a new regional safety center for the Tappan Lake Volunteer Fire Department that will include a law enforcement training center, educational space, and housing;

- $325,000 to secure a new space for the Jewett Volunteer Fire Department to store fire and emergency equipment;

- $205,000 to support the Bowerston Fire Department; and

- $100,000 to establish a maintenance building in the Village of Bowerston.

In addition to these local investments, this legislation also includes additional statewide capital investments of:

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

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

- $397.6 million for higher education projects around the state.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in last year’s main operating budget. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, funds were available for investment in these projects beyond traditional capital budget allocations.

Substitute House Bill 2 now heads to Governor Mike DeWine for his signature.