COLUMBUS — State Senator Steve Huffman on Tuesday, May 31, announced the roll out of the state’s capital budget, a $3.5 billion investment in Ohio’s infrastructure 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.
Sen. Huffman helped secure more than $1.2 million in funding for multiple projects across the 5th Senate District, which includes Preble County.
“These investments are key to maintaining vibrant communities here at home,” said Senator Huffman, “I’m happy that I was able to secure this funding for these important projects.”
On Wednesday, State Representative Rodney Creech cast his vote in support of the Ohio Capital Budget. House Bill 687 is the state’s two-year, $3.5 billion construction budget.
“I am very happy to see these local projects receive vital funding through the capital budget,” said Creech. “These items will help strengthen our communities and will have a positive impact on our citizens.”
Local projects in the 43rd district include $240,000 for the Preble County Historical Society and $400,000 for the Montgomery County Fairgrounds.
“We are happy and pleased to have the opportunity to receive the Ohio Capital Grant monies,” Harold Niehaus, PCHS Board President. “We will be able to repair our existing historic facilities and increase our ability to serve the public at the Preble County Historical Society and Nature Reserve. We are excited to use these grant funds to expand upon our recently improved nature trails, increased educational events, and the use of our property and facilities as a destination site for weddings and family gatherings. Thank you to Representative Creech, Senator Huffman, and all our State Legislators for their recognition and faith in what we are doing now and into the future.”
The Villages of Camden and West Alexandria are also set to receive funding for projects for Restoration and Nature Reserve.
Camden will receive $175,000 for the Village of Camden Technology Center which will work in conjunction with the library on the bottom floor and will house a business incubator or rentable office space on the second floor.
West Alexandria will get $100,000 to resurface the parking lot and basketball/tennis courts, add a splash pad, and walking path at the West Alexandria Smith Street Park.
The bill includes $100 million for school safety grants, which will help public and private schools address local building security needs.
Other highlights of the bill include:
•$600 million for school building construction, renovation, and repair through the state’s school facilities program
•$457 million for colleges and universities
•$400 million for the Public Works Commission to help communities with local road, bridge, water and sewer
•$587 million for state parks and nature preserves
•$50 million for the construction and renovation of county jails. Priority would be given to facilities with the needs, as well as projects that would substantially improve the condition , safety and operational ability of the jail.
