Butler County Today

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects throughout Ohio. State Representative D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) announced that the bill will allocate over $4.2 billion for capital projects, including $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

Swearingen highlighted several investments in local capital projects, including $350,000 to renovate the Put-In-Bay Downtown Promenade and $500,000 for coastal improvements at Battery Park on Lake Erie.

“There is no doubt this funding will spur transformational change throughout the 89th House district and greater region,” said Swearingen. “I look forward to seeing the effects of these projects come to fruition.”

Swearingen also secured a record amount of $8.85 million in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund for the 89th House District and surrounding communities. Key allocations include:

- $3,000,000 to build The Landing, providing direct access to Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie.

- $1,250,000 to construct the Ottawa County Workforce Hub and Center for Career Advancement.

- $1,000,000 to upgrade Battery Park.

- $800,000 to improve water quality along Cold Creek.

- $600,000 to renovate Camp Timberlane.

- Additional funds were allocated for various infrastructural improvements across Erie and Ottawa counties.

The legislation also includes significant statewide capital investments such as:

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

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

- Nearly $398 million for higher education projects around Ohio.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in last year’s main operating budget. Conservative fiscal management enabled these additional investments beyond the traditional capital budget.

Substitute House Bill 2 now awaits the Governor's signature.