NE Ohio Times

The Ohio House of Representatives passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state's two-year construction budget for capital projects, announced State Representative Steve Demetriou (R-Bainbridge Twp.). The bill allocates more than $4.2 billion for capital projects, including $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund includes $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects. More than $7.7 million will be directed toward the 35th House District and surrounding communities, including $1.5 million to construct a regional fire training facility in Cuyahoga Falls. The fund was established under the state’s main operating budget passed in 2023 and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year.

Demetriou secured several capital investments impacting his district:

- $344,000 to update and expand the Beartown Lakes Reservation site and playground

- $274,000 to construct a new restroom at the Randolph Township Pavilion

- $125,000 to construct a boardwalk and trail system through Centerville Mills Park Wetland

- $27,950 for the Windham Historical Society

- $12,700 to renovate four cemeteries in Palmyra Township

Representative Demetriou also successfully requested more than $25 million for additional capital projects benefiting his constituents, Northeast Ohio, and the state.

In addition to these local investments, this legislation includes 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

- $397.6 million for higher education projects around the state

Substitute House Bill 2 awaits a signature from the Governor.

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