COLUMBUS—June 26, 2024 — The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects. This budget, announced by State Rep. Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe), includes significant funding for various local and statewide projects.
A major highlight is the allocation of $500,000 for Veterans Administration Memorial Stadium, home of the Chillicothe Paints. This funding will be used to replace the stadium’s 17-year-old turf field, restore the outfield wall, and upgrade seating.
“I will always work to bring funding back to communities in the 92nd House District,” said Johnson. “These projects will rejuvenate the historic V.A. Memorial Stadium and support our ongoing efforts to bring more workforce opportunities and healthcare accessibility to our area.”
Other notable allocations secured by Johnson from the Strategic Community Investment Fund include:
- $500,000 to expand the Perry County Community Access and Workforce Training Center, increasing accessibility to healthcare and job training.
- $5 million to construct the Hopewell Regional Visitor Center, promoting Ohio’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“While everything I advocated for did not make it into the final version of the Capital Budget, I will continue my work to support our businesses and communities,” added Johnson.
The legislation also includes additional statewide capital investments:
- $600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund.
- $400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program.
- $397.6 million for higher education projects around the state.
The Strategic Community Investment Fund, established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year, enabled these investments due to conservative fiscal stewardship. The Ohio House was able to use these funds for projects that will advance Ohio, alongside the traditional capital budget.
Substitute House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Governor for a signature.
