COLUMBUS – State Senator Tim Schaffer (R-Lancaster) has announced a significant investment of $30,331,564 to support various economic development and educational projects in local communities. These funds were included in House Bill 2, the Capital Budget bill, which passed the Senate today.
“The Capital Budget gives us an opportunity to invest in our local communities, schools, universities, and other state assets,” Schaffer said. “I am proud to say numerous projects will receive dollars to invigorate our neighborhoods, parks, and cultural centers for all to enjoy.”
The legislature typically approves a Capital Budget every two years, which funds improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, infrastructure, and mental health and addiction facilities. House Bill 2 includes $600 million for new construction and facility upgrades at Ohio’s public schools and $575 million for local infrastructure projects such as roads and water and sewer systems.
In addition to the traditional capital budget, the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund (OTSCIF) has set aside $700 million for additional funding. This allows communities and organizations to apply for assistance with projects that might not have qualified under the state’s traditional Capital Budget.
“This one-time fund is another way for us to invest in our neighborhoods, uplifting our communities for generations to come,” Schaffer said.
Projects Funded in Fairfield County
Fairfield County:
- Walnut Township Flood Mitigation Project: $1,500,000
- Harcum House: $400,000
- Fairfield County CDL Training and Testing Lot: $300,000
- Violet Township Performing Arts Center Finish Upgrade and Modernization: $244,800
- Lancaster Rotary Park: $200,000
- Lancaster Festival Security Enhancements: $100,000
- Decorative Arts Center of Ohio Accessibility Project: $50,000
- Ohio Glass Museum: $40,659
- Fairfield Center for Independence Security and Accessibility Enhancement: $13,000
- Victoria Opera House Screen: $10,000
- Violet Township Event Center: $2,100,000
- Gateway Mixed Use District: $2,000,000
- Reading Township Volunteer Fire Department: $1,250,000
- Government Services Building Acquisition / Renovation: $2,000,000
- Wendel Pool Dehumidification System Replacement: $550,000
- Pickerington Covered Bridge Rehabilitation: $350,000
- Pickerington Connects: $234,410
- Elmwood Playground: $225,000
- Expanding Horizons / Meals on Wheels Senior Center: $200,000
- Historic Lancaster Bell and Clock Tower: $150,000
- Sycamore Creek Park Pond Restoration: $125,000
- Wagnalls Memorial Window Project: $50,000
- American Legion Post 283 Improvements: $20,000
- Rushville Union Lions Club Accessible Parking: $5,500
Additional Projects in Schaffer’s District
Licking County:
- Buckeye Lake North Shore Park & Pier: $11,000,000
- Memorial Health Systems Education and Event Center: $3,000,000
- Dawes Arboretum: $300,000
- Davis Shai House Technology Update: $150,000
- High Point Park Improvement Project: $150,000
- Johnstown – Mink Street Water Infrastructure: $500,000
- Newark Towne Center Project: $1,854,000
- Buckeye Valley Family YMCA Pataskala Childcare Center: $200,000
- Hanover Hains Hill Drive Drainage Improvements: $52,000
- Junior Achievement – Regional Satellite Learning Center: $50,000
- Boys and Girls Club of Newark: $46,195
- Mary Ann Township Fire: $66,000
Perry County:
- Hocking College Advanced Manufacturing Lab: $200,000
- Crooksville Wade Pool Rehabilitation: $65,000
- Perry County Community Access and Workforce Training: $500,000
- Thornville AMVETS: $80,000
House Bill 2 now awaits the Governor’s signature. For a full list of Capital Budget projects, click here.
